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Middle School Bullying Lesson
Every year we do our “annual middle school bullying lesson” with our students during the first month of school. We want to educate them on the definition of bullying, how to deal with a bully, and the consequences of bullying. It’s important to educate students on these concepts every year; the more you hear/learn about something then the more likely you are to remember it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TPT Middle School Bullying Lesson Download
Identify the True Definition of Bullying
Rude, Mean, or Bullying
4 Types of Bullying
Texas Schools: David’s Law
Being an Upstander, Not a Bystander
How to Deal with a Bully
TPT Middle School Bullying Lesson Download
You can easily put this lesson together yourself following this blog post; I provide all of the videos and discussion topics below. However if you’d like to save yourself some time, then check out my What is Bullying Guidance Lesson on TPT that includes:
- Google Presentation (16 slides): What is Bullying Guidance Lesson
- Definition of Bullying Poster
- Rude, Mean, VS Bullying Poster
- 4 Types of Bullying Poster
- Detailed Lesson Plans
Identify the True Definition of Bullying
The word “bully” is a major trigger word these days, that’s been super heightened by the media. Since it’s such a trigger word, it’s become frequently misused. I would say only 10-20% of the students/parents who report bullying are actually dealing with true bullying. The rest of the time it’s a disagreement, argument, two kids not getting along, etc. I’m not saying bullying doesn’t happen (it does and I get all momma bear protecting my students when it does), I’m just saying it doesn’t happen as much as the media portrays.
You’ll begin the lesson by watching a short video that explains the definition of bullying. I only show this video to my 6th grade students, I feel like it’s a little “elementary” for my 7th and 8th grade students. After the video, you’ll review the definition of bullying (see the definition below or download this poster on my TPT store).
Bullying:
- is unwanted aggressive behavior.
- is intentional.
- is one-sided.
- involves a power imbalance.
- continues even after you’ve asked them to stop.
Rude, Mean, or Bullying
The lesson moves on to defining the difference between Rude, Mean, Or Bullying.
- Rude is when someone says or does something UNINTENTIALLY hurtful ONE time.
- Mean is when someone says or does something INTENTIALLY hurtful ONE time.
- Bullying is when someone says or does something INTENTIALLY hurtful and they keep doing it, even after you’ve asked them to stop.
After you’ve discussed the differences, then you’ll go over a few examples and identify if they’re rude, mean, or bullying. You’ll continue to review the true definition of bullying as you go through examples. You can come up with your own examples or download my TPT lesson here.
4 Types of Bullying
The lesson then moves on to discuss the 4 different types of bullying. I love discussing the examples in this poster; it’s simple and easy for the students to understand. I also take a moment to ask, which type of bullying do girls typically do? Which type of bullying do boys typically do? It always brings up some interesting talking points. I also have a poster describing the 4 different types of bullying available on my TPT store here.
Texas Schools: David’s Law
If you are a school counselor in Texas, then you’ll want to to spend a few minutes discussing David’s Law. Here is a short video that explains David’s Law to students and the consequences associated with cyberbullying in the state of Texas. You’ll then work through the following discussion questions:
- What is David’s Law?
- Why was David’s Law created?
- What are some of the consequences of cyberbullying?
- What should you do if you see someone being cyberbullied?
- What can you do if someone is cyber bullying you?
- Block the person
- Report the post in the app
- Delete the post
- Screenshot/Record for reporting
- Tell the person to stop
Being an Upstander, not a Bystander
The lesson moves on to discuss the importance of being an upstander, not a bystander. You’ll watch this short video created by Burger King that examines people’s reactions to a “bullied burger” verse a “bullied student”. After the video, you’ll have a class discussion about being an upstander:
- What’s something you found interesting in the video?
- What is the difference between an upstander and a bystander?
- Why do you think it’s hard for people to stand up against bullies?
- Have you ever been a bystander while someone is being bullied? How did you feel afterwards?
- Have you ever stood up for someone being bullied? Without giving names, tell us about the situation? How did you feel afterwards?
How to Deal with a Bully
You’ll end your bullying prevention lesson by discussing things students can do to prevent bullying:
- Tell the person being mean/hurtful to STOP.
- Change the topic.
- Walk away and remove yourself from the situation.
- Be an UPSTANDER not a BYSTANDER. Don’t laugh, encourage, or participate in bullying.
- Offer friendship and encouragement to the person being targeted.
- Tell an adult if the behavior continues.
