Athletics & Wellness
Grade 10
45 min
Creating a Safety Plan: Getting Help for Yourself & Friends
This lesson helps you build a personal safety plan for tricky situations involving substances or peer pressure. Knowing what to do ahead of time empowers you to make smart choices and get help for yourself or a friend when it counts.
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What & Why
What is a Safety Plan?A safety plan is a pre-thought-out strategy for what to do in a risky or uncomfortable situation. It's like a fire drill for your social life — you practice the steps so you can act quickly and effectively under pressure, instead of freezing up.Why Do You Need One?In the moment, it can be hard to think clearly. Peer pressure, stress, or fear can cloud your judgment. A safety plan helps you:Act decisively: You already know what to do.Stay in control: You have a plan to exit a bad situation.Help others: You can be a reliable friend when someone else is in trouble.Reduce anxiety: Knowing you have a plan can make you feel more confident in social settings.
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Example 1 — Friend is Intoxicated at a Party
The Situation: You're at a party and your friend, Alex, has had too much to drink. They are slurring their words, stumbling, and can't think clearly.Your Safety Plan in Action:Assess & Stay Calm: Don't panic. Notice Alex's symptoms. Are they responsive? Can they talk? Is their breathing normal?Don't Leave Them Alone: An intoxicated person is vulnerable. Stay with them to make sure they don't get hurt or into a worse situation. Get them a glass of water.Find a Safe Space: Move Alex away from the main party crowd to a quieter spot where you can talk and they can sit down safely.Call for Backup: Tell a trusted adult immediately — the party host's parents, your parents, or an older sibling you trust. Do not worry about getting Alex 'in trouble.' Their safety is the #1 priority.Get Them Home Sa...
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Example 2 — Feeling Pressured to Try a Substance
The Situation: You're hanging out with a group, and someone pulls out a vape and offers it to you. Everyone else is trying it, and they're all looking at you.Your Safety Plan in Action:Have an Exit Line Ready: A simple, firm 'no thanks' is a complete answer. If you want to give a reason, have one prepared."No thanks, I'm good.""Nah, it messes with my asthma/sports training.""I have to head out soon anyway."Suggest an Alternative: Change the subject and the activity. "I'm not into that, but who wants to grab a pizza?" or "Hey, let's put on some music."Use Your Code Word: Have a pre-arranged code word or emoji you can text to a parent, guardian, or trusted friend. It can mean "I'm in an uncomfortable situation, please call me with an 'emergency' so I have an excuse to leave," or "Come pick m...
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Beginner
What is the primary purpose of creating a safety plan before you're in a risky situation?
A.To have a pre-planned, clear course of action to follow when you're stressed or under pressure.
B.To prove to your parents that you are responsible.
C.To make sure you never have to be in a risky situation.
D.To know how to assign blame if something goes wrong.
Beginner
You're at a party and your friend, who was supposed to be your ride home, has been drinking. What is the BEST course of action?
A.Let them drive, but watch them very carefully.
B.Call a parent, guardian, or a ride-sharing service for a safe ride home.
C.Just wait an hour for them to 'sober up' before driving.
D.Offer to drive their car yourself, even if you don't have a full license.
Beginner
Which of the following is a potential sign of alcohol poisoning and requires an immediate call to 911?
A.Loud talking and laughing.
B.Slow, irregular breathing and being unresponsive.
C.Feeling tired and wanting to go to sleep.
D.Slurring a few words but still being able to walk.
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