Handshake Activity Disease Transmission

This classroom activity demonstrates how easily infections (STIs) can spread by having students shake hands, representing sexual contact. A glove represents condom use, showing its protective effect against infection.

1. Give one student a rubber glove to wear, representing a condom.
2. Have all students move around the room and shake hands with at least three other students, remembering who they shook hands with.
3. Explain that each handshake represents sexual contact.
4. Select one student to represent a person infected with an STI (e.g., chlamydia). Have this student and anyone who shook hands with them sit down.
5. Continue with anyone who shook hands with those seated until the infection has spread to multiple students.
6. Repeat the process with another STI, such as gonorrhea or herpes.
7. Highlight that the student wearing a glove (condom) remains uninfected.
8. Conclude by discussing the ease of STI transmission, the importance of testing, and preventive strategies.

📄 Handshake activity - shvic.org: https://shvic.org.au/assets/resources/Grade_7and8_Handshake-activity.-STIs.pdf

📄 HANDSHAKE GAMES - Play Safe: https://pro.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/S3_ACTIVITY_HANDSHAKE_April2018_v1_final.pdf

• Increase or decrease the number of “partners” to simulate different risk levels.
• Use multiple students with different starting STIs to simulate overlapping infections.
• Provide more details about each STI (bacterial, viral, parasitic).
• Link to real-world prevention strategies such as condom use, regular STI testing, and abstinence.

• Ensure students understand that this is a simulation and does not stigmatize individuals.
• Be mindful of sensitivity around sexual health topics; use age-appropriate language.
• Encourage respectful participation and discussion.

• If a person has never had sex, can they still have an STI? (Yes, some STIs can spread through non-sexual means such as blood products, childbirth, or sharing needles.)
• Why is it important to get tested even if you don’t have symptoms? (Many STIs are asymptomatic and can cause long-term health issues if untreated.)
• How does using a condom reduce the risk of STI transmission? (It acts as a barrier preventing direct contact and fluid exchange.)
• What are some reasons people may not use condoms, and how can these barriers be overcome?
• Do same-sex couples need to use condoms or barriers? (Yes, STIs can spread through any intimate sexual contact, regardless of gender.)
• How does abstinence protect against STIs? (No sexual contact means no exposure to sexually transmitted infections.)