No Means No and How to Mean It

Class VIII-C at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, recently participated in an insightful and empowering session led by school counsellor Ms. Ria Sharma. Titled The Art of Saying No, the workshop focused on teaching students the critical life skill of setting boundaries and confidently saying “no” without feeling guilt or the need for over-explanation.

During the interactive session, students engaged in role-playing and real-time scenarios, where they practised politely but firmly declining requests. One of the key lessons was that standing up for oneself is not only acceptable but essential for maintaining personal well-being. By learning to assert themselves, students were empowered to prioritise their mental health while fostering respect and understanding in their interactions.

Speaking further about the idea behind the workshop, Ms Ria explained, “I wanted to empower adolescents with the ability to set healthy boundaries, especially in a time when peer pressure and external expectations are prevalent. The session was aimed at teaching them the importance of saying “no” without guilt, so they can respect themselves and make better choices. I focused on giving simple tips for speaking up confidently, helping students take care of their own needs while keeping good relationships, which supports their emotional well-being.”

“I believe that adolescence is a phase where young people face numerous social and personal pressures. Learning to say “no” helps them develop emotional resilience, freedom to make their own decisions and avoid situations which are unhealthy for them. By doing so, they can protect their mental health, focus on their own well-being first, and build relationships based on respect,” Ms Ria iterated its importance.

By the end of the workshop, students left with greater confidence in expressing their needs with kindness and assertiveness. The session’s takeaway was clear: learning to say ‘no’ is not only a form of self-care but also a vital skill for personal growth and healthy future relationships.

So how was the students’ response to this workshop?

“The students were very interested and involved. They felt a sense of relief to know that saying “no” is not selfish but important for taking care of themselves. Many students shared personal stories about times when they found it hard to stand up for themselves. They seemed to understand boundaries better and felt more confident about saying “no” to their friends and family in the future,” Ms Ria concluded.

This empowering initiative is a testament to Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg’s dedication to holistic education. The school goes beyond academic excellence, nurturing essential life skills that promote emotional intelligence and resilience among its students.