Activity Type: Class Discussion with Handout
Duration: About 15 minutes
Class Size: Whole class

Learning Objectives

• Know the difference between tattling and telling.
• Understand that reporting bullying is not tattling.
• Know when and how to report to a trusted adult.

Materials Needed

• Attached fictional scenarios handout (see the Download button below).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Share the definitions (3 minutes). Say: Tattling means getting someone into trouble. Telling means informing, making known, and speaking up. Then ask: Do you know the difference between tattling and telling?
2. Explain why reporting is not tattling (3 minutes). Say: Reporting a bullying situation is not getting someone into trouble. The bully’s own behavior gets him or her into trouble. Explain that bullies often intimidate witnesses and try to shift blame by calling reports tattling, so students need clear guidance on when and how to report.
3. Talk about why children tattle and why they tell (4 minutes). Say: Children sometimes tattle when they want to get someone in trouble, get attention, or have a teacher or parent solve their problem. Children tell when they want safety for themselves or someone else, want to protect their own or someone else’s property, are frightened, or are in danger.
4. Discuss the fictional scenarios (5 minutes). Say: Let’s discuss the difference between tattling and reporting bullying using these handouts. For each scenario, ask the class: Is this tattling or telling, and why?

Discussion Questions

• What is the difference between tattling and telling?
• Why is reporting bullying not tattling?
• When should you tell a trusted adult, even if someone calls it tattling?

Assessment

Students can explain the difference between tattling and telling, and can say that reporting bullying is telling, not tattling.

Exercise: Attached PDF on fictional scenarios. Let’s discuss the difference between tattling and reporting bullying using these handouts.