As many of you will have noticed we have been showing our support for anti-bullying campaigns over the last few years.

Do our friends at The ORP Library have asked us to share one4 of their example anti-bullying lessons with you.

 

So check out this free lesson from the workshop guidebook, Those Who Bully and Those Who Are Bullied.

In this lesson, children can:

• figure out different ways to bully-proof themselves,
• learn how to create a plan of action for when bullying happens,
• and parents can use this as a tool to help with communication on bullying.

LESSON 11 – MISSION: BULLY-PROOFING MYSELF

Bullying happens sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help bully-proof yourself. What does that mean?

Bully-proofing yourself means building your skills, courage, and confidence to handle
bullying if it happens. It also helps you send the message to others that you are not an easy target.

KEYS TO BULLY-PROOFING YOURSELF
• Talk to an adult you trust: Agree on a plan of action if you are bullied or witness someone else being bullied. This way you know that you have support and have an idea of how to handle a situation if you are faced with it.

• Don’t believe a word they say: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a popular saying that isn’t necessarily true. Words can and do hurt, but if you know that nothing bullies say about you is true and it’s more about their state of mind, it’s easier to ignore them and not believe what they are saying to you. No matter what they say, you are a valuable and strong person. Don’t believe them.

• Assert yourself: Practice and remember some things you could say in return if someone is bullying you. Example: I know that I’m not stupid. I want you to leave me alone.

• Stay calm: Those who are bullying often pick on people they know will react emotionally. They feel more power and control because they caused that reaction. Instead, just remain calm. Ignore them. Walk away. Don’t give them the satisfaction.

• Basic avoidance: Students who bully often strike when adults are not present. Avoid unsupervised areas like empty hallways, bathrooms away from the main hall, or certain areas of the playground that are out of the line of sight of a teacher or other adult.
• Fake it: Even if you aren’t feeling brave and strong, act like you are. It is important that the person bullying you thinks that you are.
• Build yourself up: Know that you are important, you are cared for, and you matter!
• Use imagery: Imagine situations where you are assertive and the situation ends well.

ACTIVITY
Knowing how to bully-proof yourself is important, but you will still face challenges. Come up with a plan of action to help you navigate your way through those challenges. Post this list somewhere so that you can refer back to it anytime you need to!
1. An adult I can trust to talk to when faced with a bullying challenge:

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2. If someone says something to me that I know is not true, I will:

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3. Something I can say in return to a mean comment to be assertive and let others know that I am not an easy target is:

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4. Ways to remain calm when faced by a bullying challenge are:

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5. Ways to avoid being in a bullying situation are:

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6. When I’m feeling weak and afraid inside but want to appear to be brave and strong on the outside, I will:

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7. One thing I will tell myself everyday to remind me that I am valuable and important is:

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