Relationship Green Flags & Red Flags (Teens)
A teen healthy-relationships worksheet contrasting green and red flags, with a personal check-in checklist, a trusted-person prompt and Canadian youth crisis resources.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Healthy relationships
- Approach / concern
- Teens (13-18)
- Technique
- Healthy relationships
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Relationship Green Flags & Red Flags (Teens)?
Healthy relationship education helps adolescents recognize respectful versus controlling behaviours in friendships and dating relationships. Early awareness supports help-seeking and prevention of dating violence.
Why it works
Teen dating violence victimization is associated with later adverse health outcomes (Exner-Cortens et al., 2013). The Canadian school-based Fourth R program reduced physical dating violence in a cluster randomized trial (Wolfe et al., 2009).
When to use it
- Teens starting to date
- School and youth programs
- Concerns about controlling relationships
- Healthy relationships units
How to use it in session
- Discuss green and red flags with examples.
- Invite private reflection on the checklist.
- Validate the teen’s feelings and instincts.
- Identify trusted supports.
- Assess safety where concerns arise.
Clinician tips
- Avoid lecturing; ask open questions.
- Respect confidentiality limits and explain them.
- Include digital behaviours like phone and location checking.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as controlling behaviour?
Behaviour that limits your freedom or makes you afraid, such as checking your phone, deciding who you see, or threats.
What should I do if a friend is in an unhealthy relationship?
Listen without judging, share your concerns gently, and encourage them to talk to a trusted adult.
References
Exner-Cortens, D., Eckenrode, J., & Rothman, E. (2013). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Pediatrics, 131(1), 71-78.
Wolfe, D. A., Crooks, C., Jaffe, P., Chiodo, D., Hughes, R., Ellis, W., Stitt, L., & Donner, A. (2009). A school-based program to prevent adolescent dating violence: A cluster randomized trial. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 163(8), 692-699.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
