Friendship Traffic Light – Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit (PDF)

The Friendship Traffic Light Toolkit is a comprehensive digital resource designed to support meaningful conversations about healthy friendships, uncertain relationships, and situations that require emotional protection.

The toolkit is organized into four complementary resources:

Caregiver Guide – Understanding the Toolkit

Introduces the purpose of the material, explains the traffic light metaphor (green, yellow, and red), and provides guidance for adults on how to facilitate discussions with clarity, emotional safety, and sensitivity.

Caregiver Resource – Hidden Risk Checklist

A supportive observation tool that helps adults recognize emotional and behavioral warning signs. It assists in identifying situations of exclusion, insecurity, or potentially harmful relationships that children may struggle to verbalize.

For Children – First Steps in Friendships (Pre-Readers)

Designed for younger children or those who are not yet independent readers. This version introduces the concept of positive friendships and basic emotional awareness through visual support and guided adult interaction.

For Children – Learning to Choose Friendships (Readers)

Created for children who can read and write independently. This version encourages deeper reflection on “yellow light” situations (doubt or discomfort) and “red light” situations (hurtful behaviors), promoting emotional awareness, autonomy, and confidence in asking for help when needed.

The toolkit can be used at home or in educational settings. With clear organization, accessible language, and a thoughtful approach, it provides a structured framework to support important conversations about relationships, respect, and emotional self-protection.

Produced by Espaço Acolher, an independent studio specializing in thoughtfully designed digital educational resources.