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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 19 percent of students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported being bullied at school. With so much time spent in schools, the classroom is an important place to shape communication and behavior among students, and to teach them respect, empathy, and understanding.
Whether you’re thinking about what to do for National Bullying Prevention Month in October, or you want to tackle the topic with your students, there are plenty of helpful bullying prevention activities for all ages to choose from in this post — and more. on TPT.
6 Ideas and Activities to Prevent Bullying in Your Classroom
Here are a few ideas and resources on how teachers and schools can incorporate anti-bullying education into the curriculum, and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion.
Hold a deep class discussion about bullying
One of the best ways to combat bullying is to teach students what bullying is, what it is, and how to take steps to prevent it from happening. Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss different aspects of bullying prevention, including:
- What bullying is and isn’t
- What are the different types of abuse
- The impact bullying can have on someone
- How to reach out for help
- How to best support someone who is being bullied while being safe
PP Anti-Bullying Presentation with activities and posters for Grades 1 and 2
Full Cloud Learning
Grades: 1-2
Harassment Related to Bullying Prevention – Sports Activity Study Unit
He is an Amazing Mentor
Grades: 4-8
Bullying Prevention Course for Middle School Counseling – Anti-Bullying Course
By Bright Futures Counseling
Grades: 6-8
Anti-Bullying Posters – Anti-Bullying Month Bulletin Board – Lesson Ideas
By The Creative Classroom
Grades: 5-9
Show the lasting impact of bullying
The crumpled paper (or crumpled heart) activity provides students with a powerful visual example about the lasting effects of bullying, especially about how difficult it is to undo the damage done to someone who has been the victim of unkind words or actions. To perform this task, follow these steps:
- Give each student a piece of paper.
- Then ask the class for examples of things people say or do that hurt their feelings. For each example, have students crumple or fold their paper.
- Explain that this is what happens to a person’s self-esteem or mental health whenever someone else says or does something positive.
- Instruct students to try to smooth out the wrinkles they have created, and discuss how the damage is still there – even after taking steps to repair it.
- Close this activity by asking students how they can show good behavior to their peers and not cause friction in others’ hearts!
You can also pair this activity with any book where characters speak and act unkindly to another character.
Compassionate Anti-Bullying Work Preventing Bullying and Harsh Words and Feelings
For Informed Decisions
Grades: 6-12
Teach students how to respond to stress
Teaching students to be upstanding people — or, people who take action to support someone who is being bullied — requires cultivating empathy, building confidence, and providing practical tools to help them intervene safely. Here are a few ways you can do that:
- Explain the difference between subordinates and superiors. Many students do not realize their potential to make a positive impact. Making a clear distinction between bystanders and takers helps students understand their role in bullying situations.
- Give them examples of phrases they can use to interrupt bullying. Practicing what is appropriate to say in a situation increases students’ confidence in being superior.
- Teach safe interventions. Many students want to help but aren’t sure how to intervene without escalating the situation or putting themselves at risk. Teach students some strategies for becoming better people, such as: interrupting, seeking help, and supporting the target person.
Taking Action and Being a High-Level Study and Activity for Elementary Students
It is the Counselor in charge
Grades: 1-3
Create a chain of kindness
This activity encourages students to recognize and perform acts of kindness while emphasizing that kindness extends throughout society. Creating a visual representation of how small acts of kindness can build a positive school community
Begin by giving each student colored strips of paper. Whenever a student witnesses or does an act of kindness, they write it down on a piece of paper. Over time, connect the ribbons to make a “kindness chain” in the classroom or school. At the end of the month, celebrate the students’ efforts by reflecting on the chain and discuss how kindness can reduce bullying.
Friendship or Chain of Kindness – Class Society
By staying with Mrs. Hulsey
Grades: Any
The Color of Kindness Notes of Praise | Schoolwide Kindness Project
Through the Teachers’ Resource Association
Grades: 3-12
Design anti-bullying posters
Art can be a powerful way to deal with serious issues like bullying. Host a contest where students can create posters, videos, or digital artwork that promotes kindness, inclusion, and bullying prevention. Display entries at school or on social media, and offer small prizes for the most impactful pieces.
Bullying Prevention – PowerPoint, Posters and Certificate of Pledge
By Umbunda Obukata
Grades: Any
11 Anti-Bullying Posters and Coloring Pages, Cyberbullying
It’s a Music City Advisor
Grades: PreK-5
Practice thoughtful communication skills
Meaningful communication – which is about being aware of what you say and how you say it – can play an important role in preventing bullying by promoting empathy, self-awareness, and respect in communication. Take time to work on developing skills that promote meaningful communication, such as:
- Using “I” Statements
- Pausing before speaking, especially when angry or frustrated
- Full listening
Logical Communication: Brainstorming with Student Thinking Cards
Written by Mrs. CurtisTeaches
Grades: Any
Looking for more ideas for lessons or classroom activities this National Bullying Prevention Month? We have it for you! Find more jobs on TPT.
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