All You Need to Know

• What is a healthy relationship?

  First relationships can be really positive. They can make you feel better about yourself, improve your confidence and widen your friendship circle. Some may last a long time, while some can be short-lived, but they are a part of learning how to get along with others.

  In a healthy relationship, everyone should feel trusted, respected and valued for who they are.

  Read more about self-esteem and boosting your confidence

• How do I cope with a relationship ending?

  When a relationship comes to an end it can feel really hard to cope. Good ways to help you understand and accept your feelings may be to:

  • Talk it through with someone you trust, like close friends or family.
  • Distract yourself with hobbies, films or getting out and about.
  • Create a good network of people around you to help you learn lessons for future relationships.

  It is normal to feel low after the end of a relationship, but normally this gets better with time. If you are affected for longer than you would have expected, speak to a trusted adult or try texting ChatHealth. You may also need to speak to your GP.

• What about safe sex?

  Not all young relationships involve sex, but when they do it’s very important that you understand contraception, sexual health and how to keep safe.

  Talking to a trusted adult might feel embarrassing, but it shows you are mature enough for a sexual relationship.

  If you don't feel comfortable talking to a parent, you could try:

  • A family member or friend
  • A member of staff at your school who you trust
  • Getting information from websites and books or making an appointment at an iCash (a contraceptive and sexual health clinic).

  Read more about contraception

  Read more about sexually transmitted infections

• Should I be worried if there's an age gap in my relationship?

  If there is an age gap of over a year or two, it’s good to be curious about how it might affect both of you. Some examples of why to be cautious might be:

  • Having different amounts of money and freedom can make things tricky.
  • Being at different stages of sexual experience might cause one person to feel worried, embarrassed or under pressure.
  • If one person is under the age of consent it can put you both at risk.

  Above all, feeling equal and respected is important to a healthy relationship.

  Read more about age gaps in relationships

• Is my relationship unhealthy or abusive?

  Some young relationships are not healthy or may become unhealthy over time. Different types of abuse in relationships are not as easy to spot as you might think.

  It can be hard to see the signs of an abusive relationship when you are in it, so talk to trusted friends and adults for advice.

  Things you should ask yourself about your partner:

  • Do they stop you seeing your friends and family?
  • Do they expect you to change your plans to fit in with them?
  • Do they criticise the way you look and tell you what to wear?
  • Do they pressure you to do something sexually you are not comfortable with?

  Try this quiz about your relationship experiences

• How can I stay safe when dating online?

  Meeting new people online through games, social media and dating apps can be fun, but you need to be careful. People aren’t always who they say they are, so look out for warning signs.

  When meeting someone for the first time:

  • Take someone with you
  • Always meet in a public safe space
  • Always tell people where you will be
  • Get familiar with emergency SOS services on your mobile phone
  • Never be afraid to ask people around you for help.

  Tips for online safety