Let's talk about bullying

Aims of the tool

The aim of the tool is to discuss about ways that 8 different target groups (victims, teenagers with bullying behaviours, bystanders, teachers, school, family/parents, community, authorities) can act and support the people affected by bullying.

Description of the tool

The tool "Let's talk about bullying" was inspired by the input the participants of the youth exchange "Speak to Haters, Make them Lovers", which took place 26/6-02/07/2018 in Greece. The participants of the youth exchange provided the ideas and the framework for 8 posters for 8 different target groups that are involved in the cases of bullying.

This activity cannot be used as an introduction to the phenomenon but as a call for action.

Step 1: Introduction to the role of different groups in bullying.
According to research almost every student has been bullied or witnesses bullying for any reason in their life but less than 10% receives support. The shame and fear that surrounds this major issue threatens the possibilities of somebody acting against it so less people are encouraged to speak up and “do something about it”.

Step 2: Specify the groups
Introduce the importance of the 8 different target groups (victims, teenagers with bullying behaviours, bystanders, teachers, school, family/parents, community, authorities) and their role in bullying.

Step 3: Brainstorm in small groups
Divide the participants in 8 small groups and assign them a target group to work on. Ask them to brainstorm ideas about how each group can "speak up" and act against bullying.
You can find some recommendations for the youth exchange here https://goo.gl/4aR3ok .

Step 4: Search for good practices
Ask each group to share good practices of the target groups that they know or have experienced about bullying.

Step 5: Short play to call for action
Ask each group to present a short theatrical play of one good practice that they want to present to the whole group. Stress that the play needs to be realistic and applicable in their own environment, not just some theoretical good ideas, so that it can be some practice that they, as everyday people, can use.

Step 6: Discussion
Discuss the learning outcomes of the activity and what needs to be done in order to raise awareness against bullying.

Step 7: Call for action
Discuss with the group how the target groups can act against bullying and create your own posters (examples https://goo.gl/4aR3ok ).