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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 19 percent of students between the ages 12 and 18 reported being bullied during school. With so much time spent in the schools, the classroom is a pivotal space for shaping social interactions and behaviors among students, and for teaching them about respect, empathy, and understanding.
Whether you’re thinking about what to do for National Bullying Prevention Month in October, or you want to proactively address this topic with your students, there are plenty of helpful bullying prevention activities for every age to choose from in this post — and even more on TPT.
6 Ideas and Activities to Prevent Bullying in Your Classroom
Here are several ideas and resources for how teachers and schools can incorporate anti-bullying education into lessons, and promote a culture of kindness and inclusion.
Hold an in-depth class discussion on bullying
One of the best ways to combat bullying is to educate students on what bullying is, what it is not, and how they take steps to prevent it from happening. Have students get together in pairs or small groups to discuss different aspects of bullying and bullying prevention, including:
- What bullying is and is not
- What the different types of bullying are
- The impact that bullying can have on someone
- How to reach out for help
- How to best support someone who is being bullied while staying safe
Anti-Bullying PP Presentation with Activities and Posters for 1st and 2nd Grade
By A Cloud Full of Learning
Grades: 1-2
Relational Aggression & Bullying Prevention – Games Activities Lesson Unit
By The Fancy Counselor
Grades: 4-8
Bullying Prevention Lesson for Middle School Counseling – Anti Bullying Lesson
By Bright Futures Counseling
Grades: 6-8
Anti-Bullying Posters – Bullying Prevention Month Bulletin Board – Lessons Ideas
By The Creative Classroom
Grades: 5-9
Demonstrate the lasting impact of bullying
The crumpled paper (or wrinkled heart) activity provides students with a powerful visual example about the lasting effects of bullying, particularly around how difficult it is to undo the damage inflicted upon someone who has been the target of unkind words or actions. To do this activity, follow the following steps:
- Give each student a piece of paper.
- Then, ask the class for examples of things that people say or do that hurt their feelings. For each example, have students crumple or fold their piece of paper.
- Explain that this is what happens to someone’s self-esteem or mental health whenever another person says or does something mean.
- Instruct students to try to smooth out the wrinkles they created, and discuss how the damage is still there — even after taking steps to undo it.
- Close out this activity by asking students how they can demonstrate kind behaviors toward their peers and not cause wrinkles in others’ hearts!
You can also pair this activity with any book where the characters speak and act unkindly toward another character.
Anti Bullying Empathy Activity Bullying Prevention and Hurtful Words & Emotions
By Informed Decisions
Grades: 6-12
Teach students how to react to bullying
Teaching students to be upstanders — or, individuals who take action to support someone who is being bullied — requires cultivating empathy, building confidence, and providing practical tools to help them intervene safely. Here are a couple of ways you can do that:
- Explain the difference between bystanders and upstanders. Many students don’t realize the power they have to make a positive impact. Clearly distinguishing between passive bystanders and proactive upstanders helps students understand their role in bullying situations.
- Give them examples of phrases they can use to interrupt bullying. Practicing what to say in a situation boosts students’ confidence in becoming upstanders.
- Teach safe ways to intervene. Many students want to help but aren’t sure how to intervene without escalating the situation or putting themselves at risk. Teach students specific techniques for being upstanders, such as: distraction, seeking help, and supporting the targeted person.
Taking Action and Being an Upstander Lesson & Activities for Primary Students
By The Responsive Counselor
Grades: 1-3
Create a chain of kindness
This activity encourages students to recognize and practice kind acts while reinforcing that kindness spreads throughout the community. To create a visual representation of how small acts of kindness can build a more positive school community
Start by giving each student strips of colored paper. Whenever a student witnesses or performs an act of kindness, they write it on a strip of paper. Over time, connect the strips to form a “chain of kindness” around the classroom or school. At the end of the month, celebrate the students’ efforts by reflecting on the chain and discussing how kindness can reduce bullying.
Friendship or Kindness Chain – Classroom Community
By Hanging with Mrs Hulsey
Grades: Any
Kindness Coloring Compliment Notes | Whole School Kindness Project
By Teachers Resource Force
Grades: 3-12
Design bullying prevention posters
Art can be a powerful way to address serious issues like bullying. Host a contest where students can create posters, videos, or digital artwork that promote kindness, inclusion, and bullying prevention. Display the entries around the school or on social media, and offer small prizes for the most impactful pieces.
Bully Prevention – PowerPoint, Posters and Pledge Certificate
By ARTrageous Fun
Grades: Any
11 Bullying Prevention Posters & Coloring Pages, Cyberbullying
By Music City Counselor
Grades: PreK-5
Practice thoughtful communication skills
Mindful communication — which is all about being conscious of what you say and how you say it — can play a key role in bullying prevention by promoting empathy, self-awareness, and respect in interactions. Take some time to work on developing skills that promote mindful communication, such as:
- Using “I” statements
- Pausing before speaking, especially when upset or frustrated
- Active listening
Mindful Communication: Reflecting on Blurting with Student Reflection Cards
By MrsCurtisTeaches
Grades: Any
Want more ideas for lessons or classroom activities this National Bullying Prevention Month? We’ve got you covered! Discover more activities on TPT.
