Consent & Assertive Communication Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds — Physical Education (VC2HP8P07)

Instructions

1. Read through each section carefully. This worksheet is designed to help you build confidence in communicating your boundaries clearly and respectfully.
2. Start with Part 1 to understand the different communication styles.
3. Move on to Part 2 to learn a powerful tool for assertive communication.
4. In Part 3, apply your new skills to practice with real-life scenarios, both online and offline.
5. Try the Challenge Questions to think more deeply about how you can use these skills in your own life.

Part 1: Know Your Communication Style

When we talk about consent and boundaries, how we communicate is key. There are three common styles. Read the descriptions, then sort the example phrases into the correct columns.

• Passive: Avoiding saying what you want or feel. Putting others' needs before your own to avoid conflict. You might use a quiet voice, avoid eye contact, or say "I guess" or "if you want."
• Aggressive: Saying what you want in a demanding, disrespectful, or threatening way. Ignoring the feelings or rights of others. This can involve yelling, blaming, or using intimidating body language.
• Assertive: Clearly and respectfully stating your wants, needs, and feelings. You listen to others and stand up for your own rights. This style is confident, calm, and honest.

Activity: Write each phrase below in the communication style column where it best fits.

"Do whatever you want."   |   "You're going to do this my way, now!"   |   "I feel uncomfortable when you stand that close, please take a step back."   |   "Hey, that's my seat. Get out."   |   "I'd prefer not to share that photo of me online. Thanks for asking first."   |   "Um, I guess it's okay... if you're sure."

Part 2: Build Your Skill - The Assertive "I" Statement

Assertive communication is the goal. A simple and powerful way to be assertive is by using an "I" Statement. It helps you express your feelings without blaming others.

The Formula: I feel [Your Feeling] when you [The Specific Action] because [The Reason/Impact]. I would like [Your Request].

Example: "I feel frustrated when you look at my phone screen because I value my privacy. I would like you to please ask before looking over my shoulder."

Activity: Fill in the blanks to turn these thoughts into assertive "I" Statements.

1. Thought: My friend keeps borrowing my headphones without asking and I'm worried they'll get lost.

   "I" Statement: I feel ______________________ when you ______________________ because ______________________. I would like you to ______________________ from now on.



2. Thought: My teammate in a group project isn't doing their part, and it's stressing me out.

   "I" Statement: I feel ______________________ when ______________________ because ______________________. Can we ______________________ to solve this?

Part 3: Real-World Scenarios

Read each scenario below. Decide if you need to seek, give, or deny consent. Then, write an assertive and respectful response using the skills you've learned.

Scenario 1: Seeking Consent (Online)
You took a really funny picture of your friend during a video call. You want to post it on your social media story.

What would you say or type to seek consent assertively and respectfully?

Scenario 2: Denying Consent (Offline)
A classmate you don't know well comes up and tries to give you a big hug. You don't feel comfortable with it.

What would you say to deny consent assertively and respectfully?

Scenario 3: Giving Consent (Online)
A friend sends you a private message: "Hey, is it cool if I add you to a new group chat I'm making for planning a surprise party? Some people you don't know will be in it."

What would you say or type to give consent clearly and assertively?

Scenario 4: A Tricky Situation (Offline)
You're at a friend's house and they want to watch a movie that you know your parents wouldn't want you to see. Your friend says, "Don't worry, just watch. It's no big deal."

What would you say to deny consent while still being respectful of your friend?

Part 4: Challenge & Reflection

Answer the following questions to think more deeply about assertive communication in your own life.

1. Why can it sometimes be difficult to say "no" or state your boundaries, even when you know you should?


2. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Imagine you agreed to let a friend borrow your favorite video game. After a few days, you want it back for a tournament. How would you assertively and respectfully withdraw your consent and ask for the game back?

Answer Key

Note: Many answers, especially in Parts 2-4, are examples. As long as your response is clear, respectful, and assertive, it can be considered correct.

Part 1: Know Your Communication Style

Part 2: Build Your Skill - The Assertive "I" Statement

1. Example Answer: "I feel worried when you borrow my headphones without asking because I'm afraid they might get lost. I would like you to please ask me first from now on."
2. Example Answer: "I feel stressed when your part of the work isn't done because the deadline is getting close. Can we talk about how to get it finished together to solve this?"

Part 3: Real-World Scenarios

1. Seeking Consent Example: "Hey, I got a hilarious picture of you from our call. Would it be okay with you if I posted it on my story?"
2. Denying Consent Example: "I'm not really a hugger, but it's nice to see you." (You could offer a high-five or wave instead). Or simply, "No thank you."
3. Giving Consent Example: "Yes, that sounds fun! Thanks for asking before adding me. Please go ahead."
4. Denying Consent Example: "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not comfortable watching that movie. Can we please pick something else? Maybe we could play a game instead?"

Part 4: Challenge & Reflection

1. Example Answer: It can be hard because you might be afraid of hurting someone's feelings, causing a conflict, or being seen as "mean" or "uncool." Peer pressure can also make it difficult.
2. Example Answer: "Hey, I know I said you could borrow the game, but it turns out I need it back for a tournament this weekend. Can I please come pick it up sometime tomorrow?"