Parent Handout: Recognizing Bullying vs Conflict

1. Key Definitions

What Is Conflict?

A normal disagreement or difference of opinion between equals—often short-lived and resolved through discussion.

What Is Bullying?

Intentional, unwanted aggressive behavior involving a power imbalance and repeated over time.

2. Three Key Criteria of Bullying

Criterion 1: Intent to Harm
Describe an example from your child’s experience that shows intentional harm:

Criterion 2: Power Imbalance
Describe an example where one child had more power—socially, physically, or numerically:

Criterion 3: Repetition
Describe an example of repeated harmful behavior over days, weeks, or months:

3. Scenario Practice

Read each scenario. Decide: Conflict or Bullying? Then explain your reasoning.

Scenario A:
Jordan pushes Sam once during recess after a disagreement over a toy. Sam and Jordan apologize and move on.

Scenario B:
Taylor spreads rumors about Alex every day at school. Alex has become anxious, avoids classes, and feels powerless to stop it.

4. Strategies for Supporting Your Child

Conflict Response Strategies (e.g., coaching problem-solving skills, role-playing respectful communication)

Bullying Response Strategies (e.g., contacting school staff, teaching assertive refusal skills, building a safety plan)

Which two strategies will you use this week?

2. ____________________________________________________

5. Reflection & Action Plan

Identify three concrete action steps you will take to support your child’s well-being and safety:

Additional Resources:

• Scenario Cards for Group Activity
• Reflection Worksheet for Caregivers

Scenario Cards: Bullying vs Conflict

Use these cards in small groups. Read each scenario, then decide: Bullying or Conflict? Be ready to explain which of the three key criteria (intent to harm, power imbalance, repetition) are present.

Scenario Card 1
Alex teases Mia about her clothes every day at lunch. Mia looks upset and now avoids that cafeteria table.

Scenario Card 2
Two classmates argue once over the rules of a board game. They apologize immediately and continue playing together.

Scenario Card 3
Jordan accidentally bumps into Sam in the hallway. Sam snaps at Jordan, but later the two laugh it off and walk away.

Scenario Card 4
A group of students consistently excludes Lily from their lunch table. They whisper when she passes by, and this has happened every day this month.

Scenario Card 5
During gym class, Mark trips Tom on purpose, causing Tom to fall. Tom does not retaliate, and Mark does it again the next day.

Scenario Card 6
Rachel spreads a rumor about Paul at school. Over the past two weeks, more students have started teasing him based on that rumor.

Scenario Card 7
Emma and her project partner disagree on how to divide the work. They talk it through, compromise, and the issue is resolved in that single conversation.

Scenario Card 8
A larger student demands lunch money from a smaller student every day at recess, threatening to hurt him if he doesn’t pay.

Reflection Worksheet for Caregivers

Use this worksheet to consolidate your learning and commit to specific actions that will support your child’s well-being.

1. Key Insight

What is the most important difference you learned today between bullying and normal conflict?

2. Personal Observation

Think of a recent incident your child experienced at school or in the neighborhood.

• Briefly describe what happened:

• Was it bullying or a conflict? Why?

3. Strategy Development

Select two strategies—one for responding to conflict, one for addressing bullying—that you will use with your child.

1. Conflict Response Strategy:
   • Strategy: ____________________________________________________
   • Steps to implement:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Bullying Response Strategy:
   • Strategy: ____________________________________________________
   • Steps to implement:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Action Plan & Timeline

Define concrete goals, deadlines, and check-in methods:

• Goal: ________________________________________________________

• Deadline (date/time): __________________________________________

• How will you check progress? (e.g., conversation, journal note, follow-up meeting)

5. Support & Accountability

Identify people and resources that will help you stay on track.

• Who can support you? (e.g., co-parent, friend, teacher)

• What additional resources will you use? (e.g., Parent Handout: Recognizing Bullying vs Conflict, Scenario Cards for Group Activity)

6. Reflection Questions

After you’ve implemented your plan, reflect on these:

• What went well?

• What challenges did you face?

• What will you do differently next time to better support your child?

Thank you for your thoughtful reflection. Your commitment helps create safer, more supportive environments for your child.