Working Together To Stop Bullying

Students will:

• Be able to engage in respectful, collaborative discussions using secure video conferencing platforms to obtain multiple perspectives on bullying.

• Be able to compile and organize information obtained from video conferences into a shared digital space.

• Be able to compose clear, purposeful questions related to bullying for guest speakers.

• Be able to summarize key ideas expressed by guests and draw logical conclusions to inform a class-wide action plan.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Collaboration: the act of working with someone to produce or create something.
   
   
2. Global Collaboration: Working together with people from different places or countries to solve problems or share ideas, often using technology.
3. Video conference: A video conference is when people talk and see each other on a screen using the internet, even though they are in different places.
4. Empathy: understanding how someone else feels and caring about their feelings, even if you don’t feel the same way.
5. Bullying: The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online. 

To prepare for this lesson:

• Become familiar with the selected collaboration tools, such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for Education, or district‑approved platforms.

• Using Google Meet https://youtu.be/8ie9FJ4A_jI?si=GdRDBz2ZDLZzy4WV 

• Using Microsoft Teams- Microsoft 365 video training - Microsoft Support  

• Using Zoom Teaching K-12, primary & secondary education with Zoom | Zoom  

• Schedule video conferences with individuals affected by bullying (e.g., parents, students, school administrators, counselors, community advocates, reformed bullies). In Michigan, Okay2Say OK2SAY - Michigan's  Student Safety Program is a great resource to use.

• Ensure all video conferencing complies with district policies on student safety, privacy, and supervision.

• Review and model appropriate digital etiquette and online safety expectations prior to the live sessions.  GoGuardian has a great article on positive online etiquette, Video Conference Etiquette for Students | GoGuardian 

• Preview these two videos and decide if you want to use as a resource 

  • What is Bullying?

  • "The Juice Box Bully" by Maria Dismondy is also a great book and video to use to leverage this conversation. 
    
    
    

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

Activate Prior Knowledge:
The teacher leads a whole‑group discussion about bullying, including types of bullying (in‑person, online, social), and the short‑ and long‑term effects on individuals and classrooms. 

Begin by:

1. Showing What is Bullying? and/or "The Juice Box Bully" by Maria Dismondy, a great book to use to leverage this conversation- https://youtu.be/7HmZPoEKqTI?si=jS9eual1McNL7vOt

2. Introduce Video Conferencing Purpose
The teacher explains that students will participate in live video conferences with guests to hear real experiences, perspectives, and solutions related to bullying. The class goal—creating a No Bullying campaign—is clearly shared.

3. Question Development (Small Groups)
In small groups, students brainstorm and refine purposeful questions for each guest.

• Students assign roles (e.g., question asker, note‑taker, follow‑up questioner) to support smooth communication during the live session.

4. Video Conference Discussions
Using a video conferencing tool (e.g., Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom), students engage with guests to discuss experiences with bullying, its impact, and preventive strategies.

• Teachers moderate the session to ensure respectful dialogue and age‑appropriate interactions.

5. Solution Brainstorming
During or immediately after the conferences, students collaborate to identify key takeaways and brainstorm practical solutions to prevent and respond to bullying in their school or classroom.

6. Shared Documentation
Students collaboratively compile notes, themes, and ideas in a shared digital workspace, such as a Google Doc, Microsoft OneNote, or Padlet board.

7. Campaign Creation
Students work in teams to design a No Bullying campaign, applying what they learned. Possible products include:

• Anti‑bullying posters or infographics

• Short public service announcement (PSA) videos

• Digital slideshows or videos

• Persuasive speeches or essays

Some options to present could be

• Canva

• Powerpoint

• Google Slides

Possible Extensions

• Students create skits or digital presentations to share with younger grades.

• Small groups host student‑to‑student video conferences with lower elementary classrooms to teach bullying prevention strategies.

• Students reflect on the experience through a blog post, journal entry, or recorded reflection focusing on empathy and civic responsibility.

Different options for assessing the students:

Formative Assessment

• Teacher observations during discussions and video conferences

• Informal checks for understanding through questioning and reflection

Checklist‑Based Evaluation

• The student demonstrated active listening (e.g., respectful behavior, note‑taking).

• The student asked or responded to questions appropriately and thoughtfully.

• The student applied ideas from guest discussions to contribute meaningful solutions.

• The student collaborated effectively in creating the No Bullying campaign.