Respecting yourself and others
Each person is different: in looks, language, ability, family and opinions. Respect means treating every person as important, even when we disagree. Respect shows in small acts: listening, not teasing, not calling names, saying thank you, keeping promises.
Good relationships (with family, friends and teachers) grow with trust, honesty and kindness. Learn to say "no" politely when something feels wrong.
Boys and girls: understanding and cooperation
Boys and girls have equal rights and equal worth. They can study, play, lead and care for others equally. Cooperation means sharing tasks fairly: no job is only "for girls" or only "for boys". Respect each other's privacy and feelings, and never laugh at someone's body or changes. If someone makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.
Understanding other countries and cultures
The world is full of different foods, languages and festivals. International understanding means being curious and respectful about them. We can learn through pen-friends, online school exchanges, visiting students, cultural festivals, languages and sport. We find that people everywhere share the same needs: family, food, friendship and fun. Learning like this reduces fear and prejudice.
Worries of adolescence
In the teen years it is normal to worry about looks, marks, friends, the future and mood changes. These feelings are common and not a weakness. What helps:
- Talk to a parent, teacher, counsellor or friend you trust.
- Name the worry and break it into small steps.
- Look after your body: sleep, food, exercise.
- Do something you enjoy each day.
If sadness or fear lasts for weeks, or you think of hurting yourself, ask an adult or a helpline today.
Respecting life: healthy and safe habits
Life is precious, so we protect it.
- Sleep: teens usually need 8 to 10 hours.
- Food and water: fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, fewer sweet and fried snacks, and clean water.
- Exercise: at least an hour of activity most days.
- Safety: wear a helmet or seat belt, follow traffic rules, know the exit and the emergency number, and never share passwords or private photos online.
- Avoid harm: say no to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Try it
In the 3D: on the last step, tap each habit until all four towers are full (20 out of 20). At home: for one week, write each day: hours slept, glasses of water, minutes of exercise and one kind thing you did. At the end of the week, pick the habit that is weakest and make a small plan to improve it.
Key formulas and definitions
- Key terms: adolescence, respect, equality, cooperation, cultural exchange, stress, healthy habits, safety
- Teen sleep: about 8 to 10 hours a night
- Activity: about 60 minutes on most days
- Worry steps: Name it โ Talk to someone โ Make a small plan โ Look after body
Worked examples
1. A teen sleeps 7 hours on school nights, but needs 9 hours. How many hours short is that over 5 school nights?
9 โ 7 = 2 hours per night. 2 ร 5 = 10 hours short in the week.
2. You exercise 25 minutes a day for 6 days. Is that enough to reach 150 minutes in the week?
25 ร 6 = 150 minutes. Yes, exactly 150 minutes.
3. A club of 20 students has 12 girls. What percentage are boys?
Boys = 20 โ 12 = 8. 8 รท 20 ร 100 = 40%. Both groups should have an equal voice, whatever the numbers.
4. A friend says, "Girls cannot be good at football." How do you reply respectfully?
"Anyone can be good at football with practice. Let us play together and see." This shows respect and equality.
Common mistakes
- Thinking "different" means "better" or "worse". Different people are equal.
- Keeping a big worry secret for weeks. Talk to a trusted adult.
- Skipping sleep to study late every night. Tired brains learn less.
- Sharing a password or private picture with a friend. Keep private things private.