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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what the difference between bullying and banter are and where bullying can happen.

      Key learning points

      1. Bullying is intentional, repetitive behaviour which is intended to hurt someone emotionally or physically.
      2. Banter can become bullying if it is repetitive and clearly upsets the victim.
      3. The four main types of bullying are emotional, physical, cyber and social.
      4. Bullying can happen anywhere.

      Keywords

      • Bullying - behaviour which is intended to hurt someone emotionally or physically

      • Banter - friendly joking and teasing between people that's meant to be fun, not mean or hurtful

      • Compassion - feeling care for others when they're hurting and wanting to help make them feel better

      Common misconception

      Just because someone is upset about banter, it doesn't mean it is bullying.

      Bullying is an act that is intended to upset, banter is a playful exchange. The moment an individual feels hurt or upset by what is said, if the remarks continue it becomes bullying, as the intention is now to cause harm.

      Teacher tip

      Speak to your pastoral lead before delivering this lesson and keep in mind the context of pupils who may have experience with bullying in your classroom.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      If this is the definition then what is the word? A disagreement between two or more people.

      respect
      Correct answer: conflict
      bullying

      Q2.
      Which of these statements about boundaries are not accurate?

      Correct answer: Boundaries only exist in romantic relationships.
      Correct answer: We should respect other people's boundaries but they don't have to respect ours.
      Boundaries exist in every type of relationship we have.
      In any kind of relationship, boundaries should be mutually respected.

      Q3.
      If we encounter harmful content or behaviour online, we should ...

      share it with others so they can see it too
      respond to the person who posted it and call them a hurtful name
      Correct answer: report and block the account that posted the content
      Correct answer: speak to a trusted adult at home or school

      Q4.
      Which of the following is the correct definition of discrimination?

      Correct answer: when people are treated unfairly/differently because of certain characteristics
      the ability to accept and respect different views, practices and beliefs
      preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements about conflict in relationships are accurate?

      Conflict only happens in unhealthy relationships.
      Correct answer: We have the power to work through conflict in our relationships.
      If we have conflict, we should tell the other person it is their fault.
      Correct answer: We should deal with conflict in an emotionally mature way.

      Q6.
      Every relationship we have in our lives contains different power ...

      Correct Answer: dynamics

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:bullying,behaviour which is intended to hurt someone emotionally or physically
      Correct Answer:banter,friendly joking or teasing between people that's meant to be fun
      Correct Answer:compassion,feeling care for others when they're hurting

      Q2.
      Which of the following best describes emotional bullying?

      it gives people a better sense of purpose and confidence
      Correct answer: it may involve leaving someone out or giving them the silent treatment
      it makes people feel more involved and included
      Correct answer: it can impact a person's self-esteem or sense of safety

      Q3.
      Jake has been receiving lots of nasty messages on social media. They make fun of his appearance and someone even made a social media account pretending to be him. Which form of bullying is this?

      social
      emotional
      physical
      Correct answer: cyber

      Q4.
      When does banter become bullying?

      when our friends laugh along with us and everyone involved is in on the joke
      Correct answer: when one person makes fun of another who doesn't find it funny
      Correct answer: when we continue to tease someone even though it upsets them
      when the teasing is lighthearted and respects the other person's boundaries

      Q5.
      Bullying can happen ...

      Correct Answer: anywhere, in different places, in lots of places

      Q6.
      What should we do if we ever witness someone else being bullied?

      ignore it
      join in and hope we don't get picked on too
      Correct answer: report it to a trusted adult
      Correct answer: reach out to the victim to support them

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Bullying, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...