Lesson Plan
Counselors Lesson Plan
Students will learn the role of school counselors, define bullying roles (bully, witness) and digital footprint, and practice seeking support through scenario analysis and reflection.
Understanding counselor support and bullying dynamics builds empathy, encourages help-seeking, and promotes responsible online behavior—key to a safe, supportive school climate.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, slides, group scenario analysis, and reflection.
Materials
- Projector, - Computer with Internet Access, - Counselor Roles Presentation Slides, - Bullying Scenarios Worksheet, - Sticky Notes, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Counselor Roles Presentation Slides
- Print enough copies of the Bullying Scenarios Worksheet for each student
- Test the projector and computer setup with the slide deck
- Place sticky notes and markers at each desk
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Ask: “What do you think a school counselor does?” and record answers on the board
- Distribute sticky notes; students write one word/phrase about counselors and post them for share-out
Step 2
Direct Instruction
10 minutes
- Present the Counselor Roles Presentation Slides
- Define bully, witness (bystander), and digital footprint
- Provide examples and invite brief questions
Step 3
Group Activity
15 minutes
- Split into groups of 3–4
- Hand out the Bullying Scenarios Worksheet
- Groups identify roles (bully, witness, victim) in each scenario and discuss digital footprint impacts
- Note how a counselor could assist in each situation
Step 4
Individual Reflection
10 minutes
- Students complete the reflection section on the Bullying Scenarios Worksheet: How might their digital footprint affect themselves/others?
- Encourage honest written responses
Step 5
Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share one takeaway about counselors and bullying
- Summarize how to seek counselor support and maintain a positive digital footprint
- Remind students of confidentiality and counselor availability
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Slide Deck
Counselors: Bullying & You
Welcome! Today we'll learn about the role of school counselors and how they support students facing bullying—both in-person and online.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s objectives: learn what school counselors do, understand bullying roles (bully, victim, bystander), explore digital footprints, and practice applying these concepts in scenarios.
What Is a School Counselor?
• Provides emotional support and guidance
• Helps with academic planning and decision-making
• Maintains confidentiality (with important exceptions)
• Connects students with resources and referrals
Explain each bullet: counselors provide emotional support, help with academic planning, keep conversations confidential (unless someone is unsafe), and connect students with resources.
Bullying: Roles and Definitions
• Bully: someone who repeatedly hurts or intimidates others
• Victim: the target of bullying behavior
• Bystander (Witness): someone who sees bullying happen
Define each role and ask for examples from students. Emphasize that bystanders have a choice to act.
Spotlight on the Bully
• May feel powerful by targeting others
• Often struggles with their own issues
• Can change behavior with support and guidance
Discuss why someone might bully others and how understanding their motivations can lead to solutions and counseling support.
Spotlight on the Bystander
• Witnesses events and can choose to help or stay silent
• Positive action: telling a trusted adult or intervening safely
• Negative action: encouraging or sharing posts online
Encourage students to think of times they witnessed bullying. Ask: What choices did you have?
Digital Footprint 101
• The trail of data you leave online
• Includes posts, comments, photos, and interactions
• Can be permanent and searchable
Define digital footprint and give real-world examples (posts, comments, photos).
Why Your Digital Footprint Matters
• Affects your reputation and relationships
• Can impact college or job opportunities
• Can hurt or help others' feelings
Explain how a digital footprint can affect real-life opportunities (college, jobs) and relationships.
Scenario 1: In-Person Bullying
Alex notices Taylor being teased at lunch every day. Alex’s friends laugh along but feel uncomfortable. What roles are you observing? How could a counselor help?
Read the scenario aloud. Then have groups identify roles and brainstorm how a counselor could intervene.
Scenario 2: Online Bullying
Jordan shares an embarrassing photo of Sam in a group chat that quickly spreads. Sam feels upset and isolated. Identify the roles and digital footprint impact. How can a counselor support Sam?
Discuss the permanence of online posts. Ask groups to consider emotional impacts and counselor strategies.
How Counselors Can Help
• Listen in a safe, confidential setting
• Mediate discussions and conflict resolution
• Provide coping strategies and resources
• Follow up to ensure students feel supported
Review each way counselors support students. Highlight confidentiality and when a counselor must share information (harm to self/others).
Discussion & Reflection
What steps can you take to maintain a positive digital footprint and stand up against bullying? Write down one action and be ready to share.
Prompt students to write one concrete action they can take to maintain a positive digital footprint or stand up to bullying. Transition to individual reflection on worksheet.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Remember: you’re not alone—counselors are here to help
• Visit the counseling office anytime
• Keep a positive online presence
• Stay kind and speak up
Thank students for participation. Remind them counselors are available anytime. Encourage kindness and responsible online behavior.
Worksheet
Bullying Scenarios Worksheet
Group Activity Instructions
Work in groups of 3–4. Read each scenario below, then answer the questions. Identify roles (bully, victim, bystander), discuss digital footprint impacts, and note how a school counselor could help.
Scenario 1: In-Person Bullying
Alex notices Taylor being teased at lunch every day. Alex’s friends laugh along but feel uncomfortable.
- Identify the roles:
- Bully:
- Victim:
- Witness/Bystander:
- Bully:
- How could a school counselor help Alex, Taylor, or the witnesses in this situation?
- As a bystander, what could you do to safely support the victim?
Scenario 2: Online Bullying
Jordan shares an embarrassing photo of Sam in a group chat that quickly spreads. Sam feels upset and isolated.
- Identify the roles:
- Bully:
- Victim:
- Witness/Bystander:
- Bully:
- What impact does the digital footprint have in this scenario?
- How could a school counselor support Sam in recovering from this online bullying?
Individual Reflection
Answer these questions on your own.
- Give one example of a positive digital footprint action you can take.
- When might you choose to seek support from a school counselor?
- Write one action you will take if you witness bullying in the future.
Warm Up
Warm-Up: What Does a School Counselor Do?
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Sticky notes, pens, whiteboard or chart paper
- Distribute one sticky note and a pen to each student.
- Prompt students: “Write one word or short phrase that comes to mind when you think of a school counselor.”
- Have students place their sticky notes on the board or chart paper under the heading “Counselor Words.”
- As a class, quickly group similar words/phrases together (e.g., “helper,” “listener,” “guide”).
- Ask volunteers to share why they chose their word/phrase. Highlight common themes and set the stage for today’s lesson on counselor roles.
Cool Down
Cool-Down: Exit Ticket
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Paper or digital exit ticket handout
Please answer the following questions thoughtfully. Write clearly in the space provided.
- What is one way a school counselor can help you or your peers?
- Describe one action you will take if you witness bullying in the future.
- Name one specific step you will use to maintain a positive digital footprint.
- When might you choose to seek support from a school counselor, and why?