8.ICR.1

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.ICR.1.1 Contrast characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships for friendships and for dating.
A healthy relationship can be described as two good friends becoming better friends. The strongest and most successful relationships have this kind of true friendship at the base. Where this base of true friendship is absent, the relationship is shallow and susceptible to being marked by victimization. Respecting individuality, embracing differences, and allowing each person to "be themselves" are aspects of a healthy relationship. When a person feels pressured to change to meet the other person's standards, is afraid to disagree, and has his or her ideas criticized, he or she may be in an unhealthy relationship. Healthy relationships are also characterized by loyalty, honesty, trust, mutual respect and empathy. These components should be a part of friendships and dating relationships.
 * The student will be able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships for friendships and for dating.
 * The student will avoid unhealthy relationships.
 * The student will seek relationships based on healthy characteristics.

8.ICR.1.2 Identify the reasons that people engage in violent behaviors (bullying, hazing, dating violence, sexual assault, family violence, verbal abuse) and resources for seeking help.
Conflicts have not really changed over the years. The problem is that now people solve conflict in a different way – and sometimes a violent way. Violent behavior may be difficult to define. If two students are yelling at each other, is that violence? If they are yelling and shoving, is it violence? If they are making threats toward each other, is that violence? There are many forms of violence. Students should recognize that bullying, hazing, dating violence, sexual assault, family violence and verbal abuse are all examples of violent behavior. Some of the factors that result in these forms of violence include peer pressure, substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, weapons, intolerance/ignorance, and broken homes. Regardless of the factors that contribute to violent behavior, the truth is that violence is a learned behavior and it can be changed. The key to preventing violence is recognizing the warning signs of violence and seeking help for oneself, and friends and family.
 * The student will analyze conflict as an unavoidable part of life.
 * The student will conclude that conflict should not lead to violent behavior.
 * The student will recognize examples of violent behavior.
 * The student will brainstorm the social and emotional factors that lead to violent behavior.
 * The student will recognize symptoms of violence in self and others.
 * The student will seek help for a non-violent resolution to conflict.

8.ICR.1.3 Explain the effects of tolerance and intolerance on individuals and society.
Tolerance is defined as a fair and understanding attitude toward those individuals whose race, religion, or nationality differs from one’s own. Intolerance is an unwillingness to acknowledge the views, beliefs, and practices of others that differ from one’s own. Attitudes of intolerance can lead to violent behavior. Intolerance is the root of many historical events that have happened in the United States and around the world in which people or groups of people were hurt. Students should research these historical events or interview those who have lived through them to better understand the impact they can have on a society. On a more personal level, intolerance can take many forms. A student might make fun of another student because of the way he/she looks or talks or a student might get chosen last to be on a team in a physical education class because he is seen as weak. These examples of intolerance are very hurtful and the effects can be long-lasting.
 * The student will define and provide examples of tolerance and intolerance.
 * The student will evaluate the effects of tolerance and intolerance on individuals and society.
 * The student will demonstrate acceptance of differences in others.

8.ICR.1.4 Illustrate communication skills that build and maintain healthy relationships.
Effective communication is the necessary ingredient for successful interaction with others. However, many young people are unsure exactly how to talk face-to-face or listen to others. Improving one’s communication skills can lead to improved relationships with family members, friends, teachers, coaches, and just about anyone, even future employers and spouses. Good communication is a skill that can be learned and improved. Communication skills that build and maintain healthy relationships include the use of “I” messages to express one’s feelings, using active listening skills, using body language that conveys one’s true feelings, and speaking in an assertive tone of voice.
 * The student will summarize the importance of good communication skills to build and maintain healthy relationships.
 * The student will practice the skills of communication.

8.ICR.1.5 Use decision-making strategies appropriate for responding to unknown people via the internet, telephone, and face-to-face.
The evolution of the World Wide Web with its vast database, resources, colorful images, and sounds has made the internet an exciting place to explore. Students often “surf” the internet to explore topics they are interested in, to find information that will help support their schoolwork and to explore leisure options. But finding information and material to support these various activities without accidentally accessing offensive materials can be tricky. Communicating online is fun and popular, but there are serious dangers and consequences from revealing personal information to unknown people on the internet. Students can pledge to not share personal information on the internet such as their full name, mailing address, telephone number, the name of their school, or any other information that could help someone determine their actual identity. They should also know not to send a picture of themselves or anything else to someone unknown without first checking with their parents or guardian.
 * The student will summarize the dangers of revealing personal information to unknown people on the Internet, the phone, or face-to-face.
 * The student will use effective decision-making strategies when communicating to others on the Internet.

8.ICR.1.6 Recognize resources that can be used to deal with unhealthy relationships.
There are various resources available within one’s family, school, and community that can be used to deal with unhealthy relationships. An unhealthy relationship can either be a relationship that is not supportive or it can be one that is abusive either physically, sexually or emotionally. Not all unhealthy relationships are abusive, but all abusive relationships are unhealthy. Physical abuse includes hitting someone, pushing, grabbing, scratching or anything else that hurts someone’s body. Verbal abuse includes calling someone names and belittling them with put-downs.

Emotional abuse involves withholding approval, appreciation or affection. It can involve trying to control someone’s money or the way they dress. Sexual abuse happens when one partner demands sex and the other person doesn’t want it but is forced to submit to it. Sometimes the beginning of sexual abuse involves a behavior called grooming. The sexual predator uses gradual and subtle influences to build trust and acceptance of inappropriate behaviors.

When someone is in an unhealthy relationship, he or she can turn to family members or other individuals who are trusted at school (a guidance counselor, teacher, or coach). There are community agencies available that can help someone in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. These can be accessed through the phone book, the Internet, or from a school guidance counselor.
 * The student will recognize the characteristics of an unhealthy relationship.
 * The student will delineate the various forms of abuse in relationships (physical, verbal, emotional and sexual).
 * The student will be able to access resources to use when seeking help for self or others who may be in an unhealthy relationship.