Getting out of an unhealthy relationship is difficult and potentially dangerous. It may be the best, but hardest, decision anyone has to make. A victim may be manipulated to the point of feeling like there is not a problem or it’s their own fault. It seems obvious to someone on the outside looking in for the victim to get out, but the victim may still be holding onto feelings from the honeymoon stage.
When they decide to end the relationship, it's important to have a safety plan in place. Some steps that should be taken are: not doing it alone, having a cell phone around, not further angering the aggressor than needed to end the relationship, telling a trusted adult, and setting a time limit on the conversation to limit possible manipulation from the aggressor.
In this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies three safe and unsafe breakup techniques. This can be modified to a lower level by creating multiple scenes and having students identify the correct steps. Make sure each storyboard created by the students is appropriate for school as these topics can potentially trigger others.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting three safe ways to end an unhealthy relationship and compare them to three unsafe ways.
Empower students to recognize warning signs and offer support to classmates who may be struggling. Teaching students ways to safely help a friend creates a more caring and vigilant classroom community.
Encourage students to share examples and ask questions about relationship red flags. Open conversations help everyone understand what to look for and reduce stigma around seeking help.
Model ways to start gentle conversations using nonjudgmental language. Practicing phrases like “I’ve noticed you seem upset lately—want to talk?” gives students practical tools for reaching out.
Explain the importance of seeking adult support and not handling difficult situations alone. Provide students with a list of counselors, teachers, or hotlines they can share with a peer in need.
Remind students to prioritize their own safety and not put themselves at risk when helping others. Teach them to set boundaries and always involve adults when situations feel unsafe or overwhelming.
Safe ways to end an unhealthy relationship include telling a trusted adult, planning the conversation in a public or safe place, keeping a cell phone nearby, setting a time limit to avoid manipulation, and not ending the relationship alone. These steps help reduce risk and provide necessary support.
Students can use a storyboard activity to compare safe breakup strategies—like seeking support and planning exits—to unsafe ones such as confronting the person alone or escalating conflict. This visual approach helps clarify the difference and builds awareness of healthy choices.
A relationship safety plan is a personalized set of steps teens can follow when ending an unhealthy relationship. It includes preparing support systems, identifying safe places, having communication devices, and informing a trusted adult to ensure safety during a breakup.
Having support helps keep the person safe, provides emotional backup, and can deter manipulation or escalation. Trusted adults or friends can offer guidance and intervene if situations become dangerous during a breakup.
Creating a storyboard that illustrates safe and unsafe breakup methods is an effective activity. It engages students in analyzing scenarios, encourages discussion, and helps them visualize appropriate steps while reinforcing social emotional learning.