Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define bullying and its different types.
• Explain the impact of bullying.
• Describe strategies to prevent bullying.
• Use assertive communication.
• Identify trusted adults for help.

Lesson summary

This week, we will focus on Understanding and Preventing Bullying. Bullying is a serious problem in South African schools and communities. It's crucial for you to understand what bullying is, how it affects people, and, most importantly, what you can do to prevent it. We want to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify bullying, understand its impact, and take appropriate action, whether you are being bullied, witnessing bullying, or worried you might be engaging in bullying behaviour.

Lesson notes

What is Bullying? Bullying is repeated, unwanted, and aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance. This power imbalance can be physical strength, popularity, or access to information (like online). A key aspect is the repetition; a single fight or argument is not usually considered bullying. It’s when someone is repeatedly targeted that it becomes bullying. Bullying aims to intentionally hurt or harm another person.

Types of Bullying: Physical Bullying: This involves physical harm to the person or their possessions. Examples include hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, stealing, or damaging someone’s belongings.

Example:* Sipho repeatedly steals Thandi's lunch money. This is physical bullying because it involves theft.

Verbal Bullying: This involves using words to hurt or humiliate someone. Examples include name-calling, insults, threats, taunting, and making offensive comments.

Example:* A group of learners consistently call David names like "stupid" or "fatso." This is verbal bullying because it uses words to hurt him.

Social Bullying (Relational Bullying): This involves damaging someone’s reputation or social relationships. Examples include spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, turning people against someone, and publicly humiliating someone.

Example:* Sarah starts a rumour about Zanele being dishonest, causing Zanele's friends to stop talking to her. This is social bullying because it damages Zanele's relationships.

Cyberbullying: This involves using electronic technology to harass, threaten, humiliate, or embarrass someone. Examples include sending mean messages or emails, posting embarrassing pictures or videos online, creating fake profiles, and spreading rumors online.

Example:* Someone creates a fake profile of Ayanda on Facebook and posts embarrassing photos of her without her permission. This is cyberbullying.

The Impact of Bullying: Bullying can have severe consequences for both the victim and the bully: Impact on the Victim: Victims of bullying may experience: Emotional problems: Anxiety, fear, sadness, depression, low self-esteem, loneliness.

Example:* Lerato is bullied daily for her old school uniform. She becomes anxious about going to school and starts having nightmares.

Physical problems: Headaches, stomach aches, sleep problems, fatigue.

Example:* Because he is constantly anxious, Themba develops stomach aches and struggles to concentrate in class.

Academic problems: Difficulty concentrating, skipping school, lower grades.

Example:* Because she is so worried about being bullied during break, Nosipho starts skipping school.

Social problems: Difficulty making friends, feeling isolated.

Example:* After being constantly excluded, Sibu feels alone and finds it hard to trust other learners.

Suicidal thoughts: In extreme cases, bullying can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Impact on the Bully: While it might seem like bullies are powerful, they also face potential problems: Increased risk of engaging in other negative behaviors: Vandalism, drug use, violence. Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships: Bullying behavior can alienate them from friends and family.

Academic problems: Poor grades, truancy.

Legal problems: Bullying can sometimes lead to legal consequences. Difficulty finding and keeping a job later in life: Employers value respectful and cooperative behavior.

Preventing Bullying: Bystander Intervention: Bystanders are people who witness bullying. They have the power to stop it!

Direct Intervention: Safely intervene by telling the bully to stop. (Only if you feel safe!)

Indirect Intervention: Report the bullying to a trusted adult (teacher, parent, principal).

Supporting the Victim: Comfort and support the victim. Let them know they are not alone.

Reporting Bullying: Know who your trusted adults are at school and at home. Report bullying incidents promptly and accurately. Remember, reporting is not tattling. It’s about ensuring everyone’s safety.

Assertive Communication: Use "I" statements to express your feelings ("I feel hurt when you say that."). Make eye contact and speak in a firm, clear voice. Stand up straight and project confidence (even if you don't feel it!).

Building a Positive School Climate: Promote kindness and respect. Participate in anti-bullying campaigns. Report bullying incidents to teachers or other trusted adults. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: A learner named Mandla keeps pushing other learners on the playground. Is this bullying? Why or why not?

Solution: This could be bullying, but we need more information. If Mandla pushes other learners repeatedly and is stronger or more dominant than the people he pushes, then it is likely bullying. If it's just a single incident or part of a game, it might not be. The key is the repeated and power imbalance aspects.

Question 2: Sipho sends unkind messages to Lindiwe on WhatsApp. What type of bullying is this, and what should Lindiwe do?

Solution: This is cyberbullying.