Lesson Plan
Bus Bullying Safety Plan
Guide a 7th grader to recognize bullying on the bus, learn assertive coping strategies, practice responses through role-play, and complete a personalized safety and reporting plan.
Students facing bullying often feel isolated and unsafe. This session builds confidence, helps distinguish harmless teasing from hurtful bullying, teaches self-advocacy skills, and ensures they know how to report incidents.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, scenario sorting, role-play, and action planning
Prep
Review Materials and Setup
5 minutes
- Print and review Bus Bullying Role-Play Script
- Print and review Bus Bullying Incident Reporting Form
- Print and review Personal Safety Action Plan Worksheet
- Prepare a few sample statements (e.g., playful nicknames vs repeated insults) to use in the teasing vs bullying activity
- Arrange a private, distraction-free space for the one-on-one session
Step 1
Build Trust and Rapport
3 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and reiterate confidentiality
- Explain the session goal: to help them feel safer and know what to do if bullied on the bus
- Encourage honest sharing without judgment
Step 2
Explore Bullying Experiences
4 minutes
- Ask the student to describe recent bus incidents and how they felt
- Use open-ended questions (e.g., "What happened next?", "How did that make you feel?")
- Validate their emotions and note specific concerns
Step 3
Distinguish Teasing vs Bullying
4 minutes
- Explain the difference between joking teasing and bullying behaviors
- Present sample statements (e.g., playful nickname vs repeated insults)
- Ask the student to categorize each example as joke or bullying and discuss how each made them feel
Step 4
Teach and Practice Coping Strategies
7 minutes
- Introduce strategies: assertive “I” statements, choosing a safe seat, using distractions (music/books), seeking a bus buddy
- Explain when and how to use each tactic
- Model an assertive response using the Bus Bullying Role-Play Script
- Have the student repeat key phrases aloud
Step 5
Role-Play Scenarios
6 minutes
- Use the Bus Bullying Role-Play Script to simulate typical bus bullying scenarios
- Practice responding assertively and seeking help
- Give feedback on tone, body language, and phrasing
- Repeat scenarios as needed for confidence
Step 6
Develop Safety Plan and Reporting Steps
6 minutes
- Complete the Personal Safety Action Plan Worksheet together: safe seats, trusted adults, and coping tactics
- Walk through filling out the Bus Bullying Incident Reporting Form
- Confirm whom to approach (driver, counselor, parent) and follow-up timeline
- Schedule a brief check-in next week to review progress
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Worksheet
Personal Safety Action Plan Worksheet
1. Safe Seating
List three places on the bus where you feel the safest. Explain why each spot works for you.
a. _________________________________ (Why: _________________________________)
b. _________________________________ (Why: _________________________________)
c. _________________________________ (Why: _________________________________)
2. Trusted Adults
Write down the names and roles of three trusted adults you can approach if you feel bullied or unsafe on the bus. Also note how you will contact each one.
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Name: _____________________ Role: _____________________ Contact: _____________________
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Name: _____________________ Role: _____________________ Contact: _____________________
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Name: _____________________ Role: _____________________ Contact: _____________________
3. Coping Strategies
List three strategies you can use when you feel uncomfortable or bullied on the bus. For each, describe how you will use it.
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Strategy: _____________________ How to use: _________________________________
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Strategy: _____________________ How to use: _________________________________
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Strategy: _____________________ How to use: _________________________________
4. Sample “I” Statement
Choose one situation and write an assertive “I” statement you would use. Be specific.
“I feel __________________________________________________ when __________________________________________________. I would like ________________________________________________.”
5. Reporting Steps
Outline the step-by-step process you will follow to report an incident if bullying happens again. Include who you will tell first and what you will say.
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Step 1: __________________________________________________
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Step 2: __________________________________________________
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Step 3: __________________________________________________
6. Putting It All Together
In the space below, describe what you would do from the moment you feel bullied on the bus until the incident is reported and you feel supported. Consider your safe seat, coping strategy, and trusted adult.
Activity
Bus Bullying Role-Play Script
Objective
Help the student practice assertive responses, safe-seat choices, and help-seeking steps in a controlled bus scenario.
Facilitator Directions
- Print this script and review it beforehand.
- Arrange a space that mimics a bus aisle (chairs spaced apart).
- Assign roles: Bully, Student, and (optional) Bystander/Helper.
- Encourage the student to use confident body language: shoulders back, eye contact, calm voice.
Role-Play Dialogue
Scenario 1: Asserting Your Space
Setup: Student is seated near the window; Bully approaches and wants that seat.
Bully: “Hey, move it! You’re in my spot, dummy.”
Cue for Student: Use an “I” statement and stand your ground.
Student: “I feel ____________________________________________ when ____________________________________________. I’d like __________________________________________________.”
Facilitator Note: Praise clear, calm words. If the student stalls, model one more time:
“I feel upset when you push me. Please give me space.”
Scenario 2: Protecting Your Belongings
Setup: Student has backpack on lap. Bully tries to grab it.
Bully: “Give me your phone or else!”
Cue for Student: Name the action, state a boundary, and signal you will seek help.
Student: “Please don’t touch my backpack. If you try again, I’ll tell the bus driver.”
Facilitator Note: Coach on tone—firm, not loud or yelling. Re-run until the student feels confident.
Scenario 3: Seeking Help
Setup: Bully continues teasing or shouting. Student decides to escalate to an adult.
Student approaches the bus driver (or raises hand).
Student: “I’m feeling unsafe. [Briefly describe incident]. Can you help me?”
Bus Driver (Facilitator): “Thank you for telling me. Let’s move you to a safe seat and I’ll contact the office.”
Debrief Questions
- How did using an “I” statement feel?
- What part was easiest, and what was hardest?
- If this happened for real, where would you move on the bus?
- Who is the first person you’ll tell if you can’t handle it alone?
Next Steps: Encourage the student to repeat any scenario needing more practice. Schedule a quick check-in next week to review real-life successes and challenges.