💛 SELGrade 2Lesson 16
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Understand Personal Boundaries

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain what personal boundaries are
  • 2Identify behaviors that respect them
  • 3Describe what to do when a boundary is crossed
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Mini Lesson

Have you ever felt uncomfortable when someone stood too close, grabbed something of yours, or kept doing something after you asked them to stop? That feeling is your body telling you a personal boundary has been crossed.

What is a personal boundary?

  • A personal boundary is a rule you set to keep yourself safe and comfortable.
  • Boundaries can be about your body, your belongings, your feelings, or your personal space.
  • Example: "Please do not hug me without asking first."
  • Everyone has different boundaries — and all of them deserve to be respected.

Types of boundaries

  • Physical — your body and personal space (no touching without permission).
  • Emotional — your feelings (do not call me names or mock how I feel).
  • Property — your belongings (ask before using or touching my things).

How do I set a boundary?

  • Use a calm, clear voice: "Please stop. I do not like that."
  • Say it once clearly, then tell a trusted adult if it continues.
  • You always have the right to say no to something that makes you uncomfortable.

How do I respect someone else’s boundary?

  • Always ask before touching or using someone’s things.
  • Stop immediately when someone says "no" or "stop."
  • Pay attention to how others are feeling — not just their words.
Personal boundary bubble diagramA stick figure standing inside a dotted circle representing their personal boundary bubble, with labels showing physical, emotional, and property boundaries.Your personal boundary bubblePhysicalEmotionalPropertyMy space. My rules.boundary
A figure inside a personal boundary bubble, showing physical, emotional, and property boundaries.
How to set a boundary — three stepsThree script cards showing how to set a personal boundary: Say it clearly, Say it once more if needed, and Tell a trusted adult if it continues.How to set a boundary1.Say it clearly:"Please stop. I do not like that."2.If it continues, say it again:"I said stop. I mean it."3.If it still does not stop:Tell a trusted adult right away.You are never wrong for asking for help.
Three steps for setting a boundary — say it clearly, repeat if needed, then tell a trusted adult.
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Ask yourself: "Am I respecting other people’s boundaries right now? And do I know how to set my own?"

Vocabulary
Personal boundary
A rule you set to keep yourself safe and comfortablee.g. Asking before a hug is one of my personal boundaries.
Physical boundary
A rule about your body and personal spacee.g. Please do not stand so close is a physical boundary.
Emotional boundary
A rule about your feelingse.g. Do not call me names is an emotional boundary.
Permission
When someone says yes you may do somethinge.g. I get permission before borrowing a friend's pencil.
Respect
Treating other people kindlye.g. I show respect by stopping when someone says stop.
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