Responding to Bullying Lesson Plan
Responding to Bullying
Lesson Plan • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Framework
7th & 8th Grade Assembly
25 Minutes
Tier 1 (Universal Support)
Core Objective
Students will be able to identify and apply positive response strategies to bullying situations using the DASA framework.
Why This Matters
Empowers students with knowledge and skills to handle bullying effectively, promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment.
Required Materials
DASA Slide Deck
Discussion Guide
Reflection Worksheet
Instructional Sequence
5 Mins
Introduction
- Briefly introduce the topic of bullying and its impact on the student community.
- Explain the purpose of the assembly: to learn how to respond to bullying using the **DASA framework** (Dignity for All Students Act).
- Define DASA: A law designed to protect all students from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
6 Mins
Video Viewing
- Show the video: Ways to Stop Bullying.
- Instruct students to pay close attention to the specific strategies discussed in the video for both victims and bystanders.
7 Mins
DASA Discussion
- Facilitate a structured discussion using the provided questions in the Discussion Guide.
- Encourage students to connect video strategies to the DASA principles of respect and dignity.
5 Mins
Reflection Activity
- Distribute the **DASA Reflection Worksheet**.
- Ask students to complete it individually, focusing on personal application in real-life school situations.
2 Mins
Closure
Recap key points. Remind students that building a bully-free environment is a collective responsibility. Challenge them to practice one strategy this week.
DASA Discussion Guide
Facilitator Guide
DASA Discussion
Guided questions to deepen student understanding of the DASA framework.
Purpose of this Discussion
This session is designed to help 7th and 8th graders move beyond the definition of bullying and understand their specific role under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Use these prompts to encourage critical thinking about school culture and individual responsibility.
1
What is the DASA framework and why is it important for our school community?
Talking Points & Guide
- Definition: DASA stands for the Dignity for All Students Act. It's a law that ensures schools are free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
- Inclusion: It covers everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, religion, or ability.
- Safety: Why does "feeling safe" matter for learning? (Focus on how students can't focus on school if they are worried about being mistreated).
2
How can the strategies we saw in the video be applied specifically within our school building?
Talking Points & Guide
- Identify hotspots: Where does bullying usually happen here? (Locker rooms, cafeteria, hallways, online).
- Direct Action: "Stop, walk, and talk." How do we say "stop" in a way that is firm but doesn't escalate the situation?
- Reporting: Remind students who the "DASA Coordinator" is in the building and where their office is located.
3
What are some concrete ways we can support each other in preventing bullying before it starts?
Talking Points & Guide
- Upstander behavior: Moving from "bystander" (watching) to "upstander" (supporting).
- Inclusion: Inviting someone new to sit at lunch or join a group project.
- Peer Support: Checking in on someone after a conflict happens to see if they are okay.
- Digital Citizenship: Stopping the spread of rumors or mean comments on social media.
"If the room goes quiet, ask students to 'turn and talk' to a neighbor for 60 seconds about the prompt before sharing out with the whole group. This builds confidence for more students to speak."
DASA Reflection Worksheet
Student Activity
DASA Reflection
Name:
Date:
Reflect on what you've learned today about the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and the strategies we discussed to respond to bullying positively.
1
Define DASA in your own words.
Think about the key principles of respect, dignity, and a safe school environment.
2
List two strategies from the video that you found helpful.
Consider how these strategies can be used in real-life situations at school.
Strategy 01
Strategy 02
3
How can you personally contribute to a bully-free environment?
Reflect on your role in promoting respect and dignity for all students.
Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Every student deserves to learn in dignity.
DASA Response Slides
DASA Training
Responding to
Bullying
Building a community of dignity, respect, and safety for every student.
What is DASA?
The Definition
The Dignity for All Students Act is a law that protects students from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
The Goal
To create a school environment where every student feels safe and respected.
Protected Under DASA
Race & Ethnicity
Religion & Creed
Disability Status
Gender & Orientation
Weight & Appearance
And More...
Video Spotlight
Ways to Stop Bullying
[ Video will play from source ]
uncommon-nyc.lennylearning.org/view/ways-to-stop-bullying
Watch carefully. Note the specific tools and responses used in the scenarios.
!
If You Are the Target
Be Firm & Direct
Use a clear, strong voice to say "Stop" or "That's not okay." Avoid escalating.
Walk Away
Removing yourself takes away the bully's audience and power.
Report It
Reporting is not "snitching." It is keeping your school safe for everyone.
Stay Safe
"Dignity means you are worthy of respect. You never have to tolerate harassment."
The Power of the Upstander
Interrupt
Change the subject or invite the person being targeted to leave with you.
Support
Check in with the target later. Let them know you saw it and it wasn't okay.
Report
Talk to a teacher, counselor, or the DASA Coordinator about what happened.
80% of bullying stops when a peer intervenes.
Time to Reflect
Please complete your DASA Reflection Worksheet individually.
Task 1
Define DASA in your words
Task 2
Choose 2 Strategies
Task 3
Commit to Action
