Lesson Plan

Break the Bully Cycle

Students will identify and categorize bullying behaviors, recognize common barriers to intervention, and practice two safe strategies to confidently stand up for themselves and peers.

Bullying negatively impacts student well-being and learning. Equipping 9th graders with empathy and practical intervention skills fosters a safer, supportive school culture and reduces silence-driven inaction.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Print Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Bullying

5 minutes

Step 2

Exploring Silence

5 minutes

Step 3

Safe Intervention Strategies

7 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Break the Bully Cycle

Welcome students! Introduce today’s objective: identify bullying behaviors, understand why peers stay silent, and learn safe ways to intervene.

What Is Bullying?

Ask students to define bullying in their own words and share real-life examples. Record definitions and examples on the Bullying Behaviors Anchor Chart.

Types of Bullying

Clarify each type of bullying with concrete examples. Encourage students to add examples to the anchor chart.

Why Do Peers Stay Silent?

Display the Why Peers Stay Silent Poster. Facilitate discussion by asking: “Which barrier feels most familiar? Why?”

Safe Intervention Strategies

Distribute the Safe Intervention Strategies Handout. Review each strategy and model one with a volunteer.

Role-Play Practice

Explain how to conduct the role-play. Encourage each student to try at least one new strategy and observe peers.

Reflection & Closing

Hand out the Reflection Worksheet. Invite volunteers to share. Summarize key takeaways and encourage continued practice.

Lesson Plan

Break the Bully Cycle

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Print Materials

Step 1

Introduction to Bullying

Step 2

Exploring Silence

Step 3

Safe Intervention Strategies

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

Slide Deck

Break the Bully Cycle

What Is Bullying?

Types of Bullying

Why Do Peers Stay Silent?

Safe Intervention Strategies

Role-Play Practice

Reflection & Closing

Activity

Activity

Activity

Activity

Worksheet

Break the Bully Cycle

Alyssha Walker