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Youth & Adolescent Skills / GRP228

Friendship Green Flags

Identify observable signs of respectful friendship using fictional examples.

20 minutes / 3-10 participants / Ages 10-17 with trained adult facilitation

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UNDERSTAND THE IDEA

Skills practice needs developmental fit and choice.

Young people may communicate through action, drawing, examples, or short conversations. A clear demonstration and a low-stakes practice can make a concept easier to approach. Age labels alone do not determine readiness; consider language, sensory needs, context, and adult support.

Facilitation lens: Use age-appropriate fictional examples and clarify privacy limits. Never require public disclosure or treat quiet participation as defiance.

Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.

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Materials

Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials

Fictional example

A young person is choosing whom to spend time with.

Invite and agree - 3 minutes

Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.

Introduce the example - 3 minutes

A young person is choosing whom to spend time with. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.

Practice: Card sort - 7 minutes

Identify observable signs of respectful friendship using fictional examples. Write short statements drawn from the example on cards. Sort using the distinctions in the task, then discuss cards that could fit more than one place.

Reflect together - 4 minutes

What action shows respect rather than popularity? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.

Choose a next step - 3 minutes

Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.

Adaptations and fit

Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.

For ages 10-17 with trained adult facilitation. Use age-appropriate fictional examples, clarify privacy limits, and follow safeguarding procedures.

Conceptual reading and review status

Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.