Social Navigator: Conflict vs Bullying • Lesson • Lenny.com
Social Navigator: Conflict vs Bullying
This lesson helps 10th-grade students understand the key differences between conflict and bullying, providing them with practical strategies to address both effectively. It fosters a safer, more respectful school environment.
TEACHER NOTE: Use this slide to directly compare and contrast conflict and bullying. Facilitate discussion using the student handout.
Responding to Conflict
01
Communicate Respectfully: Use "I" statements.
02
Seek Common Ground: Find agreement points.
03
Compromise: Be willing to meet halfway.
04
Take a Break: Step away if emotions are high.
05
Mediation: Ask a trusted adult to help.
Pro Tip
The goal is to solve the problem and keep the relationship healthy.
TEACHER NOTE: Discuss strategies for healthy conflict resolution. Emphasize communication and compromise. Refer to the handout.
Responding to Bullying
Action Steps:
Speak Up: If safe, tell them to stop.
Walk Away: Don't give it power.
Don't Engage: Do not retaliate.
Most Important:
Tell a Trusted Adult Immediately!
Teacher, Counselor, Administrator, Parent, Coach.
Be an Ally: Support the victim.
TEACHER NOTE: Discuss strategies for responding to bullying. Emphasize safety, seeking help, and documenting incidents. Refer to the handout.
Put It Into Practice
In your groups, you will receive Scenario Cards.
Step 1:
Decide: Conflict or Bullying?
Step 2:
Plan your response strategy.
Refer to your Responding to Conflict & Bullying Handout for help!
TEACHER NOTE: Explain the scenario activity. Ensure students understand they need to identify the type of situation and how to respond.
Key Takeaways
Conflict is normal; bullying is harmful.
Knowing the difference helps you respond appropriately.
Always prioritize safety and seek help if bullying occurs.
Your actions create a positive school environment!
TEACHER NOTE: Facilitate the share-out and reinforce the main takeaways. Prepare students for the cool-down.
Advance to Slide 4: What is Bullying?
"Now, let's contrast that with bullying. Bullying is very different. It's unwanted, aggressive behavior that always involves a power imbalance. What do you think a 'power imbalance' means in this context?"
Allow students to offer ideas (size, status, secrets, etc.).
"Excellent points. The other key elements are that it is intentional – the person means to cause harm – and it is repeated. It's behavior that happens over and over. The result is distress and harm to the victim."
Distribute the "Responding to Conflict & Bullying Handout". Advance to Slide 5.
"Take a look at the handout. Slide 5 summarizes these differences. Who can give me an example of a situation and tell me if it sounds more like conflict or bullying, and why?"
Call on students to share examples and explain their reasoning.
Advance to Slide 6 & 7 to cover response strategies.
"Remember, telling an adult about bullying is not 'tattling'; it's seeking help to stop harmful behavior and keep everyone safe."
25-35 MIN
Scenario Analysis Activity
Advance to Slide 8: Scenario Activity.
"Now, let's put this into practice. In your small groups, you'll receive Scenario Cards. Your task: decide if it represents conflict or bullying, and then decide how you would respond using the strategies on your handout. You have 10 minutes."
Divide students, distribute cards, and circulate to guide discussions.
35-45 MIN
Wrap-Up & Cool-Down
"Great job analyzing those situations. It's clear that while disagreements are normal, bullying is never acceptable. The power you have is in knowing the difference and choosing how to respond effectively."
Advance to Slide 9. Transition to Cool-Down Reflection.
"For our cool-down, please answer the question on the board: 'What is one key difference between conflict and bullying that you learned today, and one strategy you will use in the future?' This is your exit ticket."
