Definition of ratting– ‘somebody regarded as mean, sneaky and deceitful, especially somebody who betrays friends or confidences’

Definition of telling– ‘informing, revealing information inadvertently or indirectly, making known, speaking up’

Encarta Dictionary: English

Do your students know the difference between ratting and telling?

Reporting a bullying situation is not getting someone into trouble instead the bully’s own behavior gets him\her into trouble. Most bullies tend to intimidate those who are aware of their inappropriate behavior and they try to reverse their responsibility by blaming someone else- by calling them a rat.

Students therefore need to be taught when and under what circumstances they are to report bullying actions.   They also need to understand and differentiate between ratting and telling.

Exercise-
Attached PDF on fictional scenarios

Print off sheet – one per student.  Allow them to answer the questions by themselves followed by a class discussion-emphasize the differences.