Beyond Bystanding: Activating Our Community

Introduction (Slide 1)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something really important that affects all of us: bullying. We often think we know what bullying is, but it's constantly evolving, especially with how we interact online and in social circles. Our goal today is to go Beyond Bystanding – to move past simply observing and instead, activate our community to make a real difference."

"To start, when you hear the word 'bullying' in today's world, what comes to mind? What does it really encompass in our school or online? Take a moment to think, and then we'll share some ideas."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for students to think or jot down notes. Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging a wide range of responses, from traditional physical/verbal to cyber and social exclusion.)

"Excellent points. It's clear that bullying is more complex than a simple definition. Let's explore that further."

Understanding Bullying: Beyond the Obvious (Slide 2)

"As you can see on the slide, bullying isn't just about physical aggression. It manifests in many forms. We have verbal bullying – things like name-calling, teasing, or threats. There's social bullying, which involves excluding someone, spreading rumors, or manipulating friendships. And a very prevalent form today is cyberbullying – online harassment, digitally excluding someone, or sharing private information without consent."

"Why is it important to understand these different types? Because each one can have a profound impact. Think about the emotional toll, how it can affect someone's grades, their friendships, or their overall happiness at school. It erodes trust and makes our community feel unsafe."

"Has anyone observed (without naming anyone or specific incidents, please) how these different types of bullying show up in our environment? Or perhaps how the impact of one type of bullying might feel different from another?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for discussion, guiding students to speak generally about observations or feelings rather than specific people or events. Reiterate the importance of a safe space.)

"Thank you for sharing. It's clear this is a deeply felt issue."

Your Power: Moving Beyond Bystanding (Slide 3)

"Here's the crucial part: You have the power to make a difference. We can move from being passive bystanders to active upstanders. There are several ways you can intervene safely and effectively."

"Sometimes, if it feels safe and appropriate, you can try direct intervention – speaking up and telling the person to stop. Other times, indirect intervention might be better – distracting, redirecting the situation, or drawing attention away. You can also support the target by offering comfort, listening to them, or actively including them in your group."

"Most importantly, if you witness bullying, especially if it's severe or ongoing, you should report it. This means telling a trusted adult – a teacher, counselor, parent, or administrator. You don't have to carry the burden alone. And remember, there's strength in numbers: sometimes, getting friends to group up and stand with you can make a big difference."

"Let's put some of these strategies into practice."

Activity: Stand Up, Speak Out Scenarios (Slide 4)

"Now, we're going to work in small groups. I'm going to distribute some Stand Up, Speak Out Scenarios, or you can view them on the slide. In your groups of 2-3, choose one scenario. Discuss:

1. What type of bullying is happening in this scenario?
2. What are some safe and effective ways your group would intervene or support the person being targeted?
3. Who should be informed or involved in this situation?"

"Remember, safety is key. If a situation feels dangerous, the best intervention is always to get adult help. You have about 10 minutes for this discussion. Go ahead and form your groups."

(Monitor groups, offering guidance as needed. After 10 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Alright, let's hear from a few groups. Who would like to share one of their scenarios and the strategies they discussed?"

(Facilitate sharing, ensuring a few different scenarios and strategies are discussed. Affirm thoughtful responses and reinforce safe practices.)

Building a Better Community: Our Shared Responsibility (Slide 5)

"Thank you for those insightful discussions. It shows that there are many ways we can make a positive impact. Ultimately, creating a supportive school culture is our shared responsibility."

"It starts with empathy – trying to understand how others might feel. It requires inclusivity, making sure everyone feels welcome and valued. It demands respect, treating others as you want to be treated. We need to support our peers, letting them know they're not alone. And as we discussed, we must be prepared to report bullying through official channels when necessary."

"Your actions, big or small, contribute to the kind of community we have here. You are the leaders of this school, and your choices shape its environment."

Reflection: Your Role (Slide 6)

"To wrap up our discussion today, I'd like you to engage in a final Reflection Cool Down. On your own, or by thinking quietly, consider this question: What is ONE thing you can commit to doing to help prevent bullying or support someone targeted by bullying in our school community?"

"It could be as simple as smiling at someone who looks alone, speaking up to challenge a negative comment, or simply being more observant of those around you. Your commitment, however small, makes a difference."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for reflection. Collect Reflection Cool Down if desired.)

"Thank you all for your active participation and thoughtful engagement today. Let's carry these commitments forward and continue to build a truly inclusive and respectful community."

Warm-Up: What Is Bullying Now?

Think about the word "bullying." In today's world, with social media, different ways we interact, and evolving social dynamics, what does "bullying" mean to you? What are some examples of bullying that you see or hear about in our school or online that might be different from how people thought about bullying in the past?

Jot down your thoughts or be prepared to share with the class.

Stand Up, Speak Out Scenarios Activity

Instructions: In your small group, choose ONE of the scenarios below. Discuss the questions that follow for your chosen scenario. Be prepared to share your group's strategies with the class.

Scenario 1: The Exclusion Zone

During lunch, you notice a new student, Alex, trying to join a group at a table, but they keep shifting their chairs to create a gap, avoiding eye contact, and talking over Alex whenever Alex tries to speak. Alex eventually walks away looking defeated.

• Questions:
  1. What type of bullying is happening here?
  2. What are some safe and effective ways to intervene or support Alex?
  3. Who should be informed or involved in this situation?

Scenario 2: Digital Daggers

You see a post on social media where a picture of a classmate, Jamie, has been altered to look silly, and several comments underneath are making fun of Jamie and spreading false rumors about something Jamie did over the weekend. Jamie is tagged in the post.

• Questions:
  1. What type of bullying is happening here?
  2. What are some safe and effective ways to intervene or support Jamie?
  3. Who should be informed or involved in this situation?

Scenario 3: The Mocking Echo

In the hallway between classes, you hear a group of students consistently mimicking another student, Sam, in a derogatory way because of Sam's accent. When Sam walks by, the group laughs loudly and makes sarcastic comments that are clearly directed at Sam.

• Questions:
  1. What type of bullying is happening here?
  2. What are some safe and effective ways to intervene or support Sam?
  3. Who should be informed or involved in this situation?

Scenario 4: The Pressure Trap

A friend tells you that another student, Chris, has been pressuring them to do Chris's homework, threatening to spread embarrassing photos if they don't comply. Your friend is clearly distressed and unsure what to do.

• Questions:
  1. What type of bullying is happening here?
  2. What are some safe and effective ways to intervene or support your friend and Chris?
  3. Who should be informed or involved in this situation?

Reflection Cool Down: Your Commitment

What is ONE thing you can commit to doing to help prevent bullying or support someone targeted by bullying in our school community?

Think about what we discussed today – the different forms of bullying, the impact, and the various ways to intervene or offer support. Your commitment can be big or small, but it should be something you genuinely feel you can put into action.

Warm-Up: What Is Bullying Now?

Think about the word "bullying." In today's world, with social media, different ways we interact, and evolving social dynamics, what does "bullying" mean to you? What are some examples of bullying that you see or hear about in our school or online that might be different from how people thought about bullying in the past?

Jot down your thoughts or be prepared to share with the class.