When the word “bully” is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is a child pushing another around, or hurling insults at them. However, bullying occurs in many other forms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying is any hostile behavior directed to an individual, and is usually recurrent or very likely to be repeated. In that regard, bullying is not only verbal and physical, but also social. For instance, one child might start spreading rumors about another.
Regardless of the form in which bullying takes place, it’s wrong. It affects the victims negatively, especially when it comes to their mental health. This year, anti-bullying week will be celebrated between 13th and 17th November. This makes it the perfect time to engage the little ones in activities that raise awareness on the same. So here are 7 ideas for anti-bullying activities:
Best Activities for Anti-Bullying Week
Redefine Bullying
Before we dive into the activities, it’s worth sitting down with the kids to explain what bullying is. Enlighten them about the different forms and levels in which bullying takes place.
More importantly, explain why bullying is wrong, and the steps they can take if they experience it. For younger kids, the easiest way to teach them this concept is by having them watch a video or perform a skit illustrating this concept.
Create Anti-Bullying Posters
Creating posters for a cause is a practice that’s been around for centuries. When it comes to anti-bullying, it gives children an opportunity to share their thoughts, opinions and feelings about the matter in the most creative way possible.
You can ask each student to create their own poster. Or, let them create posters in small groups. They can then hang the posters all around school and in their classrooms.
Create a Map of the School Grounds
This activity is great if you’re trying to achieve a goal like providing a safer environment for every child.
It involves handing out maps of the school grounds to the students. The map should be outlined clearly to show the different parts of the school; the cafeteria, playground, classrooms, washrooms, library and more.
Next, ask the kids to color or mark the areas where they’ve ever experienced bullying or spots that feel unsafe. For instance, they can use red to show the area is unsafe, amber for slightly worrisome and green for safe.
The Wrinkled Paper Heart Activity
Yet another activity that’s great for campaigning against bullying is the wrinkled paper heart. The concept behind this is pretty simple.
Once a paper has been wrinkled, it can never go back to its original shape/form. In the same way, once an individual hurls insults or says mean things to another, they can’t take them back. This means it’s better to refrain from saying hurtful things in the first place and be kind instead. “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)
Declare the PACER Anti-Bullying Pledge
Another activity ideal for both younger and older kids is memorizing and practicing the anti-bullying pledge by PACER. This pledge calls on them to stand up against bullying, reach out to victims of bullying and be friendly to those who are bullied.
