Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different types of bullying.
• Understand the impact of bullying.
• Learn how to respond to bullying.
• Define and practice respect in relationships.
• Know the difference between a Bystander and an Upstander.

Lesson summary

Bullying is a serious problem in schools and communities across South Africa. It can have a devastating impact on a child's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Understanding what bullying is, how to recognize it, and what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied is crucial for creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Developing respectful relationships is the foundation for a healthy and happy life, both in school and beyond. This involves understanding boundaries, communication skills, and showing empathy towards others. We will also discuss different kinds of bullying and what steps to take when you or someone you know is a victim.

Lesson notes

What is Bullying? Bullying is when someone (or a group of people) intentionally and repeatedly hurts or intimidates someone else. It is not the same as just having a disagreement or a fight. Bullying involves a power imbalance – the bully feels stronger or more powerful than the person being bullied.

There are different types of bullying: Physical Bullying: This involves physical harm, like hitting, kicking, pushing, or stealing someone's belongings.

Example:* Sipho takes Andile's lunch money every day.

Verbal Bullying: This involves using words to hurt someone, like name-calling, insults, teasing, or threats.

Example:* Zola calls Fatima "Fatty" all the time and makes fun of her clothes.

Social/Relational Bullying: This involves hurting someone's reputation or relationships, like spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, or embarrassing them in public.

Example:* Lerato tells everyone that Thandi has head lice, even though it's not true, so that nobody will want to be friends with her.

Cyberbullying: This involves using electronic devices, like cell phones or computers, to bully someone. This can include sending hurtful messages, posting embarrassing pictures or videos online, or spreading rumors on social media.

Example:* John creates a fake profile on Facebook and posts mean things about Aisha.

Impact of Bullying: Bullying can have serious consequences for both the victim and the bully.

Victims of bullying may experience: Low self-esteem Anxiety and depression Difficulty sleeping Headaches and stomachaches Trouble concentrating in school Feeling lonely and isolated Thoughts of suicide Bystanders (those who witness bullying) can also be affected. They may feel guilty for not doing anything to help, or they may be afraid of becoming the next target.

Respectful Relationships: A respectful relationship is one where everyone feels valued, safe, and heard.

It involves: Communication: Talking openly and honestly with each other, even when it's difficult.

Listening: Paying attention to what the other person is saying and trying to understand their perspective.

Empathy: Trying to understand how the other person is feeling.

Boundaries: Respecting each other's personal space and limits.

Trust: Being honest and reliable.

Equality: Treating everyone fairly and equally. Being an "Upstander": A bystander is someone who witnesses bullying but does nothing to stop it. An upstander is someone who takes action to help the person being bullied.

This could involve: Telling the bully to stop. Helping the person being bullied to get away from the situation. Reporting the bullying to a trusted adult. Offering support to the person being bullied. It takes courage to be an upstander, but it's the right thing to do. Even small actions can make a big difference.

Assertive Communication: Assertive communication is a way of expressing your needs and feelings in a clear and respectful way. It involves using "I" statements, such as "I feel upset when you call me names." It's different from aggressive communication (which is hostile and disrespectful) and passive communication (which is avoiding expressing your needs).

Worked example

Scenario: You see a group of older learners making fun of a younger learner's tattered school uniform.

Applying Concepts: This is verbal bullying and potentially social bullying (if they're trying to exclude the younger learner).

Possible Responses: You could say to the older learners, "Hey, that's not cool. Leave him alone." Or, you could report the incident to a teacher. Or, after the older learners leave, you could tell the younger learner, "I think you have a nice uniform and it doesn't matter what they say. Is everything alright?"

Scenario: You receive a mean text message on your phone from a classmate.

Applying Concepts: This is cyberbullying.

Possible Responses: Do not respond to the text. Save the message. Show the message to a trusted adult, such as your parents, teacher, or counselor. Block the sender's number.

Scenario: Your friend starts spreading rumors about another learner.

Applying Concepts: This is social/relational bullying.

Possible Responses: Tell your friend that spreading rumors is hurtful and wrong. Say, "I don't want to be involved in this. It's not right to talk about people behind their backs." Encourage your friend to apologize to the person they're spreading rumors about.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1:

What type of bullying is it when someone intentionally excludes you from a group activity?

Solution: