LEARNING OBJECTIVE

To understand the bystander effect and identify strategies to use when advocating for others

HEALTH ED STANDARD

Demonstrate effective conflict management or resolution strategies (NHES 4)

KEY VOCAB

bystander, intervene, allies, target, tormented, vengeful

Lesson Plan: Would You Stand Up to Hate?

Many kids want to stop others from bullying but feel nervous about stepping in. In this article, they’ll learn tactics for diffusing the situation and becoming an ally.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

What is my responsibility as a bystander?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. What is the bystander effect? When people are part of a group that witnesses something mean, they’re less likely to feel a personal responsibility to intervene. 
  2. Why is it a good idea to get others to join you when you're standing up to cruel online behavior? When there are many people standing up to the bullies, you're less likely to become a target yourself, and the bullies will feel more pressure to back off. 
  3. How can reaching out through a message or private conversation to someone who is being bullied help support them? Reaching out privately can help the bullying target feel supported without drawing even more attention to their situation.

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Without naming names, do you know someone at your school who is the target of constant bullying? How could you reach out to them or help support them? Possible answers: I could text them to see if they’re OK, ask them to hang out after school, or tell a teacher about what's going on so they could step in if necessary. 
  2. Do you think your school does enough to help combat bullying? Why or why not? Answers will vary. 
  3. Think of someone who is known to be inclusive and kind. What sorts of things do they do to demonstrate these strengths? What can you learn from their example? Answers will vary

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

WATCH AND DISCUSS

NHES 8, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7

One of the best ways to stop a culture of hate is to create a school culture of kindness. After watching the video clip “A Sincere Compliment” (see our online Video Archive), discuss how the student in the video was able to gain popularity through his positive behavior. Then, have students use the CULTURE OF KINDNESS handout to create a similar campaign at your school.

WRITE AND REFLECT

NHES 4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10

Most students have witnessed cruel behavior at some point in their lives. Using the LAST TIME/NEXT TIME writing prompt, they’ll reflect back on a time when they were a silent bystander and how it made them feel. Then they'll rewrite the story, using the strategies mentioned in the article to explain how they could have stepped in and made a difference.

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