Stop!

Explore the differences in personal boundaries and talk about setting and respecting them during this accessible game.

0 ratings & comments

Report this game

A step-by-step guide to play the game

1

Divide the players into two groups.

2

Both groups form a straight line and face each other, so each player of group 1 faces a player of group 2. The two groups have to be at least 4 metres apart.

3

When the game leader says "go", all players of group 1 start walking forwards, towards the player of group 2 that is facing them.

4

They continue walking until the player facing them says "stop!".

5

Switch groups. The players of group 2 will now walk towards the players of group 1, who in their turn will say "stop!" to set their boundaries.

6

Reflect on the game by asking questions such as:

  • How come not all players of group 1 are standing in the same place?
  • Does everybody feel comfortable with where they are standing right now?
  • How would it feel for the players of group 2 if the players of group 1 took one more step forwards? How do you feel if someone is standing too close/too far?
  • Would you say "stop" in the same place if the person walking towards you was your mother/father, sister/brother, friend, teacher, a stranger,...? Who can get close to you?
  • Is it easier/more difficult to set boundaries with friends or strangers?
  • ...

Extra game information

This activity is a part of the StreetSmart sexuality package. The package aims to give youth workers the tools they need to address the topic of sexuality in a playful way with the children and young people they work with, so they can learn to make conscious, healthy and respectful decisions.

 

Sexuality is a very broad term, encompassing various subtopics. Here, you can find a list of all activities included in our sexuality package to address these different topics:

  1. Sexuality in general: The Sex Alphabet, The Sexuality Goose Game, Yes or No Circle, Sexuality Statement Game
  2. Body (development): Anatomy fundamentals, Who has what?, Physical changes in puberty, Emotional changes in puberty, Life Cycle
  3. Boundaries: Stop!, People to People, Kiss the Teddy Bear, Body Carrousel, (Not) Okay?, Body Twister 
  4. Relationships: Choose Your Relationship, My Ideal Partner, In The Worst Way Possible
  5. Gender & sexual orientation: Labels, Sex Change, Who does what?
  6. Safe sex: The Synonym Game, Condom Smugglers, Goodie Bag, STD-Roulette, Can I get pregnant?
  7. Sex & media: Who is responsible?

Variations

  • From behind: In this game version, groups 1 and 2 do not face each other. Instead, group 1 forms a line behind group 2, looking at the backs of the players. Again, the players of group 1 walk towards the players of group 2 who need to say "stop" to set their boundaries. Reflect on the difference with the previous game, e.g.: Did you say stop sooner? Why (not)? Do you feel more/less/equally as comfortable? Why? ...
  • Roles: Before the game, always announce who the walking players are: e.g. a friend, your mother, a stranger,... The players standing still stop their partner where they would stop their friend, mother, a stranger,...
  • Getting attuned to other's boundaries: In this game version, the players standing still don't say stop. The players who walk towards them decide when they will stop walking themselves: when they feel they are close enough, still respecting the other's boundaries. When they have stopped, they ask their partner whether this is a good distance for them. The other player can then decide whether he/she can come closer or whether he/she needs to take one or more steps backwards. Reverse the roles and repeat the exercise.
  • Circles: The game leader draws different circles (e.g. 4) on the ground, inside of each other, starting with a big circle and finishing with a small one. Player 1 stands in the smallest circle, the circle in the middle. Player 2 walks towards player 1, always pausing in each circle.  When player 1 feels uncomfortable, he/she shouts: "Stop’". Reverse the roles. Afterwards, reflect on the game. You can, e.g., ask which person (mother/father, sister/brother, friend, teacher, stranger,...) they would stop in which circle and talk about how boundaries differ in different relationships.

Specific learning objectives

  • Learn to be attuned to your boundaries and the boundaries of others.
  • Get to know and learn to respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others.
  • Learn that everybody's boundaries are different.

What people said about this game

Be the first to write a review

If you have played this game please help inform other people by giving a review.

Have you played Stop! game?

Don’t hesitate, share your feedback and help others to pick the right games. Tell us how it was and how the children reacted? Or do you have any advice for other players, a fun variation, a possible improvement?

Login or signup to add your feedback

Thank you for giving us your opion on Stop!!

We very much appreciate your effort in writing the review.

You might also like

How should a friend be?

Describe the characteristics that a friend should have. Do you consider yourself a good friend?
(0)

Game details

Say thank you without saying thank you!

How many times a day do you thank for something? Gratitude is a strength that needs to be constantly developed.
(0)

Game details

Don't stop talking

Virtual dynamics to get to know the attendees or students of a meeting a little, using a roulette wheel to draw a topic.
(0)

Game details

The flow goes with those...

A fun energising game which needs concentration
(0)

Game details

Cookies saved