What is a dating safety plan?

• A. A general advice sheet
• B. A plan to report to authorities after every date
• C. A personalized, practical plan that can help students avoid dangerous dating situations.
• D. A plan to disguise dating violence

Answer: (C)

Dating safety planning is about creating a personalized, practical set of steps students can use to stay safe before, during, and after dates. It focuses on concrete actions tailored to a student’s routine and resources, such as identifying personal boundaries, recognizing warning signs, arranging safe transportation and check-ins with a trusted friend, having an exit plan, and knowing who to contact for help. This approach emphasizes prevention, autonomy, and real-life readiness.

A general advice sheet is too broad to be useful in real situations, because it isn’t tailored to the individual. Planning to report to authorities after every date isn’t practical for most dating scenarios and can miss immediate safety needs. A plan to disguise dating violence is harmful and dangerous, not a legitimate safety strategy. The right choice provides practical, actionable steps that make safety doable in everyday dating.