Activity Type: Role-Play with Problem-Solving
Duration: 15 minutes
Class Size: 15-20 students

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish between conflict, mean moments, and bullying
• Practice upstander responses
• Develop empathy for different perspectives

Materials Needed:

• None (educator prepares scenarios mentally)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Define the Types (3 minutes)
   1. Write on board (or say clearly):
      1. Conflict: Two people disagree (both have some power)
      1. Mean Moment: Someone is unkind once (accidental or bad day)
      1. Bullying: Mean behavior repeated over time, on purpose, with a power imbalance
   1. Say: “Bullying can be physical (hitting, pushing), verbal (name-calling, threats), social (leaving people out on purpose, spreading rumors), or online (mean texts, embarrassing posts).”
2. Divide into Groups (1 minute)
   1. Split class into 4 groups of 4-5 students
   1. Assign each group a scenario (below)
3. Scenario Practice (6 minutes)
   1. Groups get 3 minutes to create a 30-second scene showing their scenario
   1. Each group performs while others watch
   1. Scenarios:
      1. Group 1: A student keeps getting left out of a group chat and lunch table all week
      1. Group 2: Two friends both want to be line leader and argue about whose turn it is
      1. Group 3: A classmate makes fun of another student’s clothes every single day
      1. Group 4: Someone accidentally trips another student in the hallway
4. Class Discussion (4 minutes)
   1. After each performance, class identifies: Conflict, Mean Moment, or Bullying?
   1. For bullying scenarios, ask: “What should the person being bullied do?” (Tell trusted adult, stay with friends, save evidence if online)
   1. Ask: “What should witnesses do?” (Don’t join in, support the target, report to adult)
   1. For all scenarios: “How might each person be feeling?”
5. Upstander Pledge (1 minute)
   1. Say together: “I pledge to notice when someone needs help, speak up safely, and tell a trusted adult about bullying.”

Discussion Questions:

• “Why is it important to know the difference between conflict and bullying?”
• “What makes it hard to be an upstander? What makes it easier?”
• “How is online bullying different from in-person bullying?”

Assessment:

Students can correctly categorize at least 3 out of 4 scenarios and name one upstander action.