Focus on Bullying: A Prevention Program for Elementary - Education

Lesson Script
Last lesson we talked about dangerous bullying situations. We talked about the
importance of assessing the level of danger when confronted by a bullying situation.
What were some of the questions that help to determine the level of danger?
• Could someone get hurt?
• Is it against the law—like stealing, assault?
• Are the surroundings unfamiliar?
• Are the people unfamiliar?
• Would I be alone or away from others who could help?
You can also pay attention to your feelings and your hunch about how unsafe a
situation might be. If you determine that there is not a great deal of danger, then try
something yourself.
Usually, in typical bullying situations, there will be things that you can try on your
own to stop the bullying. However, if the bullying has carried on for some time, even
if it is not dangerous, the bullied person’s self-esteem can be so harmed that they
would not be able to respond without adult help.
Let’s look at a more typical bullying situation. Listen to this story about the way
Sasha is bullied.
Sasha is a new student at school. She wears clothes that were popular where she
came from, but they look different to the kids at the new school. Jewel and some
other girls and boys like to make fun of the way she looks. Jewel and the others call
Sasha names and make weird sounds when she walks by them every morning.
How do you think Sasha is feeling?
What might Sasha’s impulse be?
What might the consequences be of following her impulses of doing nothing,
hiding, crying, or staying home?
Doing nothing, crying, or hiding are passive responses. Acting passively doesn’t
solve problems.
What might the consequences be of yelling or fighting back?
350 Grades 6-7
upset, sad, angry, hurt,
humiliated, embarrassed
do nothing, hide, not
come to school, cry, yell
and try to hurt Jewel and
the others, call names
back
the bullying would
probably continue when
they see her again, they
may call her worse
names if she cries
get into trouble, get hurt,
make the other kids
dislike her more