In this activity, you’ll practice telling the difference between bullying and conflict (in person and online) and reflect on empathetic, inclusive ways to respond as an upstander.
We are practicing how to tell the difference between bullying and conflict, including online situations, and how to respond with empathy and inclusion.
Conflict: A disagreement where people have similar power. Both people may be upset, and the problem can often be solved with fair talking and help.
Bullying: Behavior that is mean on purpose and often has:
Repeated (happens again and again)
Power imbalance (one person has more power—older, bigger, popular, has a group, etc.)
Intent to harm or exclude
Ask:
Is it repeated?
Is there a power imbalance?
Is someone trying to hurt or exclude?
You’ll sort scenario “cards” into 3 groups: Bullying, Conflict, and Not sure / Need more info.
For one scenario, discuss:
What might each person be feeling?
What is one inclusive choice a bystander could make?
If it’s bullying, who is a trusted adult you could tell?
Online behavior (group chats, comments, DMs, posts) still counts. If someone feels unsafe or repeatedly targeted, tell a trusted adult.
Sort each scenario into the best category.
Same kids mock accent daily at recess.
Group won’t let Maya sit at lunch again.
Older student sends weekly mean DMs.
Classmates laugh when Jordan stutters every day.
Two friends argue about game rules.
One-time rude comment after losing.
Accidental bump; they both apologize.
Both post mean comments back and forth.
Rumor shared online once; unsure who started.
Left out of group chat; don’t know why.
Bullying
Conflict
Not sure / Need more info
For each situation, mark the features you notice.
Repeated | Power imbalance | Can be solved fairly | |
|---|---|---|---|
Daily mocking by a group | |||
One-time argument over rules | |||
Weekly mean DMs from older student |
You notice the same student is left out at lunch again. What is the best upstander response that shows empathy and inclusion?
One inclusive action I can take today is:
Reflection: Choose one scenario from the sort. Explain (1) how the targeted student might feel, (2) one empathetic and inclusive upstander move, and (3) who you could tell if it keeps happening (in person or online).