Boundaries help people define what they are comfortable with and how they want to be treated by others. Everyone has different boundaries, so it is important for individuals to think about what their boundaries are and how to communicate them to others. This is important for all relationships, not just romantic or sexual ones.
People set personal boundaries all the time and boundaries also shift over time. You can encourage your student to feel confident communicating their boundaries in small things so that they are also confident communicating them during more serious situations, like substance use, romantic relationships, and sexual situations.
Talk with your student about the types of boundaries they can think about as it relates to friendships, roommates, dating partners, substance use, and romantic or sexual behaviors.
Domain of Boundaries
Social
What kinds of friends they have, how they will set limits if friends pressure them, what types of activities their social life revolves around.
Physical
What they will or won’t do with their bodies
Digital
What they will or won’t share electronically, how often they are comfortable texting with their partner, social media boundaries, etc.
Other
Let them identify areas they want to discuss as it relates to boundaries