What's Not OK
Sometimes there can be a lot of gray area when it comes to sex. Everyone has different boundaries; they can change depending on the person or situation. But some things are just NOT OK.
What does “not OK” mean? Well, it depends. Some people may be offended by certain jokes, behaviors, or words, while others may not. Talking to a trusted adult can help you figure out what you are comfortable with in a relationship and how to communicate that to your partner.
Certain things, however, are just plain off limits. Anything that results in someone being physically or emotionally hurt is definitely NOT OK. If you experience anything in a relationship that does not feel right, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to your trusted adult.
| NOT OK | INSTEAD, ALWAYS |
| Unwanted touching | Ask for consent before all physical and/or sexual encounters |
| Ignoring or silencing | Listen and try to understand your partner’s perspective |
| Feeling uncomfortable | Discuss your fears and concerns with your partner |
| Lying | Be honest with your partner and yourself |
| Breaking trust | Get consent before sharing your partner’s personal information |
| Threatening | Respect your partner’s boundaries, personal space, and privacy |
Want to check your knowledge on what’s cool in a relationship? Take the CoolNotCool interactive quiz.
To learn more about consent, check out the video below from Planned Parenthood:
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is when a person is manipulated, or forced to do things against their will. Sex trafficking is the most common type of human trafficking.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, it is not your fault. What you’re experiencing is a crime against you and you are not to blame.
If you feel that you are being affected by human trafficking, there are many things you can do to get support. Here are some ways to ask for help and keep yourself safe:
- Tell a Trusted Adult
- Visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/what-human-trafficking or Call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
- Report an emergency to law enforcement by calling 911
- Make sure that you learn the indicators of human trafficking
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing is luring someone into a relationship by using a fake online persona. Remember: People who you meet online are not always who they claim to be. They might not even be a real person at all. Some people may even create a fake persona to seek revenge or just to harm others. Catfishing is a type of online bullying.
In order to avoid being taken advantage of, it is important to be careful who you share personal information with on the internet. Don’t meet anyone you’ve met online alone. If you are being harassed online, tell someone. Report them and block them.
For more ways to keep yourself safe, visit https://www.cybersmile.org/what-we-do/advice-help/catfishing