Bullying can threaten kids’ physical and emotional safety and can impede their ability to learn. It’s important that kids learn to recognize bullying and respond in safe, positive ways. In group discussions, ask kids to imagine themselves in the following bullying situations and describe what they would do.

1. A new student started at your school this week, and he is having trouble fitting in. Some of your friends have been laughing behind his back. What would you do?
2. You receive an email telling an embarrassing story about another student who has often been mean to you. You know your friends would think it’s funny. What would you do?
3. The meanest kid at school thinks it’s fun to tease you every chance she gets. You’re afraid she’s going to hurt you, and you’re starting to hate school. What would you do?
4. Someone shoves you and wants to fight you. You want to stick up for yourself, but you don’t want to get into a fight. What would you do?
5. Everyone is afraid of three mean kids at your school. You’re afraid, too. One day they ask you to hang out with them. What would you do?
6. You sent a mean text about a kid who bullies to a friend, and your friend forwarded it to others. It eventually got back to the kid. What would you do?
7. You report bullying to your teacher, but the teacher doesn’t believe you. What would you do?
8. You hear that someone you thought was a friend has been spreading a cruel and untrue rumor about you. What would you do?
9. You’re invited to a party but your friend isn’t. At the party, some of the kids make jokes about your friend and laugh at him. What would you do?
10. You’re shy, and sometimes you get teased for it. You have to admit, it would be nice to have more friends. What would you do?

For more scenarios, plus bullying prevention tips, strategies, and activities, check out Bully Free Zone^® In a Jar^®: Tips for Dealing with Bullying.

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