Activity: “Help-O-Meter Freeze Game”

Type: Movement + Quick Discussion
Time: 10–15 minutes
Focus: Bystanders

Objective

Help young students recognize what a helpful bystander can do when someone is being treated unkindly.

Materials

• “Help-O-Meter” printable (included below)
• Three picture cards: Help, Get an Adult, Walk Away With a Friend

Instructions

1. Place the three picture cards on the board.
2. Explain that sometimes people see unkind things happen. These people are bystanders, and they have choices.
3. Students spread out. When the music begins, they walk or dance around.
4. When the teacher says “Freeze!”, the teacher holds up a scenario card such as:
   • “Someone says something mean to your friend.”
   • “Someone won’t let another kid play.”
   • “Someone accidentally drops their crayons and looks sad.”
5. Students run to stand under the card that shows what a helpful bystander might do.
6. Briefly discuss why that choice helps.

Debrief Questions

• “How does helping someone make you feel?”
• “When should you get an adult?”

HELP-O-METER

When you see someone being treated unkindly…

□ HELP — Be kind, stand with them, ask “Are you okay?”

□ GET AN ADULT — Tell a teacher when someone might get hurt.

□ WALK AWAY WITH A FRIEND — Leave the unkind behavior and bring the person with you.

Grades 3–5 Anti-Bullying Exercise (Bystanders)

Activity: “Bystander Toolbox Mini-Escape Challenge”

Type: Puzzle + Small Group Challenge
Time: 10–15 minutes
Focus: Bystanders
Works well: 3–5 students per group

Objective

Teach students how bystanders can stop bullying safely using specific strategies.

Materials

• “Bystander Toolbox Cards” (printable below)
• Four short scenario strips
• Envelopes labeled 1–4

Instructions

1. Give each group four envelopes containing:
   • A scenario
   • Three “Toolbox” choices
2. Students must choose the best bystander tool for each scenario.
3. When they choose correctly, they receive a piece of the final code (printed on the back).
4. The first team to assemble the full code opens the “Toolbox Reward” envelope (positive message/pledge).
5. Discuss why certain tools work better than others.

Debrief Questions

• “Which bystander actions feel safe and realistic for your age?”
• “How can working together help someone being bullied?

BYSTANDER TOOLBOX

TOOLS YOU CAN USE:

□ SUPPORT — Stand beside the person, sit with them, invite them to join you.

□ SPEAK UP — Say “Stop,” “That’s not okay,” or “Leave them alone.”

□ REPORT — Tell a trusted adult what you saw.

□ REDIRECT — Change the subject, move the group, include the person.

Grades 6–12 Anti-Bullying Exercise (Bystanders)

Activity: “The Bystander Breakpoint Debate”

Type: Quick role-based analysis + mini debate
Time: 10–15 minutes
Focus: Bystanders

Objective

Help students evaluate realistic bystander choices and build confidence using their voices.

Materials

• “Breakpoint Cards” (printable below)
• 3–4 short realistic bullying scenarios
• Timer

Instructions

1. Divide students into small groups.
2. Give each group one scenario plus four Breakpoint Cards.
3. Students choose which bystander action would MOST effectively interrupt the situation (“break the bullying cycle”).
4. Groups prepare a 1-minute argument defending their choice.
5. Each group presents; others may challenge respectfully.
6. Conclude by identifying the MOST universally effective actions across scenarios.

Debrief Questions

• “What stops bystanders from acting?”
• “What support systems help students step in safely?”

BYSTANDER BREAKPOINT STRATEGIES

1. DIRECT — Speak up clearly and safely: “Stop. That’s not cool.”

2. DISTRACT — Change the focus: “Hey, can you help me with this?”

3. DELEGATE — Get help from a teacher, counselor, or responsible peer.

4. DOCUMENT — Record what happened to report later (non-confrontational).