Why is it important?

Talking about our relationships, friends, families and support networks helps students to identify where they fit, whom they can turn to and the importance of respect when relating to others. Identifying the people who love and care for them helps reinforce student’s sense of belonging and security.

Identifying appropriate ways to express love and intimacy assists with developing and maintaining meaningful relationships. Understanding the characteristics of respectful relationships and developing personal skills can assist students to make informed choices about family options and relationships and protect students from exploitative or manipulative relationships.

Sub-elements of relationships

• Families – most people are raised in families and create and live in families as adults. There are a diverse range of families across society.
• Friendship, love and intimate relationships – friendships and intimate relationships offer people love and support as they develop and change throughout life.
• Acceptance and respect – accepting and respecting each other's differences and diversity can assist in building positive relationships and foster social and emotional wellbeing.
• Long-term commitment, marriage and parenting – many people make long term commitments to share their lives with each other. Many people adopt parenting and caring roles and have responsibility for the needs and development of children and adults.