Help your teenager develop boundaries
Practical guidance for parents and carers on helping teenagers build healthy relationship boundaries, including communication, consent, conflict and signs of unhealthy relationships.
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Hosted on https://parents.au.reachout.com/ • Opens in a new tab
By ReachOut
Published on 2023
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Support parents to talk with teenagers about boundaries, consent, sex and intimacy
Help parents support teenagers to identify what they are and aren’t comfortable with in a relationship, how to communicate it and how to manage relationship conflict
Build parents’ confidence to discuss healthy relationship behaviours – and what behaviours are never ok
It covers
What boundaries are and why they matter in romantic relationships
Examples of healthy relationship boundaries
Sexual boundaries, consent and safe relationships
Ways to communicate boundaries with a partner
Strategies for managing conflict and resolving disagreements
Signs of unhealthy, controlling or abusive relationships and where to seek support
Open this resource
Hosted on https://parents.au.reachout.com/ • Opens in a new tab
If you are a parent or carer
You’re in the right place! This is a guide written for you – it can help you support your teen to think about and communicate their boundaries in romantic relationships, and what behaviours are never ok. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 16 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.