Shifting Boundaries

Program Overview

Shifting Boundaries is an evidence based prevention education program designed for middle school students in grades six through eight. The program focuses on building awareness of personal boundaries, respect, and safety while helping students recognize and respond to behaviors that can lead to harassment or harm.

Early adolescence is a critical time for prevention education. Shifting Boundaries supports students as they navigate changing social dynamics, peer relationships, and identity development. The program helps establish healthy norms before harmful behaviors become normalized and reinforces the idea that everyone plays a role in creating safer school environments.

Shifting Boundaries is grounded in research and has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an evidence based approach to preventing sexual violence.

Who This Training Is For

Shifting Boundaries is designed for:

Middle school students in grades 6 through 8
Public and private schools
After school programs and youth serving organizations

The program is delivered directly to students and is adapted to be developmentally appropriate for each grade level.

What the Program Covers

Shifting Boundaries provides age appropriate education that builds over time and addresses both individual behavior and environmental safety.

Students learn about:

Personal boundaries and respect
Safe and unsafe behaviors
The difference between teasing, bullying, flirting, and harassment
How power and peer pressure can influence behavior
How to recognize boundary violations
How to seek help and support
Shared responsibility for safety within school spaces

For younger grades, the program includes a school mapping activity that helps students identify areas where they feel safe or unsafe and encourages discussion about improving safety. Older students are introduced to concepts related to Title IX and reporting options in age appropriate ways.

Why This Program Matters

Middle school students experience high rates of harassment and boundary violations, yet many do not have the language or tools to describe what they are experiencing. Without early intervention, harmful behaviors can escalate and become normalized.

Shifting Boundaries helps students build skills to recognize and respond to concerning behavior early. By addressing both individual behavior and the school environment, the program supports prevention at multiple levels.

This training also supports educators and schools by reinforcing clear expectations around respect and safety.

How the Program Works

Shifting Boundaries is delivered through a series of interactive classroom sessions. The number and length of sessions vary by grade level to ensure content is developmentally appropriate and effective.

Training elements include facilitated discussion, group activities, scenario exploration, and interactive mapping exercises. Sessions are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and supportive.

The program can be adapted to fit school schedules and classroom needs.