HIB Law Lesson Plan
NJ HIB: Know the Law
10th Grade Awareness & Prevention Lesson
Time: 30 Minutes
Target: 10th Grade
Why This Matters
Understanding HIB is vital for creating a respectful and inclusive school community where every student feels safe and supported. This lesson provides essential knowledge to prevent and address bullying, ensuring a positive learning environment for all.
Objective
Students will be able to define Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) according to New Jersey law, identify examples of HIB, and understand the school's reporting and response procedures.
Preparation
- Review the NJ HIB Awareness Slide Deck for content flow.
- Read through the HIB Discussion Prompts for responses.
- Prepare for the Stand Up, Speak Out Cool Down activity.
- Test projector and computer connections.
Lesson Procedure
5
Warm-up & Introduction
5 Minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'bullying'?" (2 mins)
- Introduce objectives: Focus on New Jersey's HIB law – what it is, how it affects the school, and actions to take.
- Transition to Slide 1 of the NJ HIB Awareness Slide Deck.
15
Understanding NJ HIB Law
15 Minutes
- Present slides 2-7: Definition of HIB, key components (distinguishing characteristics, harm), examples, and clarifications.
- Facilitate Q&A after each section.
- Use HIB Discussion Prompts to deepen engagement with examples (motivation vs. conflict).
5
Reporting and Support
5 Minutes
- Present slides 8-9: Reporting procedures (staff, Specialist) and the importance of reporting.
- Highlight support systems (counselors, trusted adults).
- Emphasize that reporting is a brave act that protects everyone.
5
Cool Down & Wrap-up
5 Minutes
- Distribute the Stand Up, Speak Out Cool Down.
- Students reflect on one key takeaway and one action they can take.
- Collect as an exit ticket and conclude with a message of collective responsibility.
HIB Awareness Slides
NJ HIB:
Know the Law
Understanding Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying in New Jersey Schools
Define HIB
Identify Examples
Report & Support
What is HIB?
Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying is any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act, or electronic communication that:
Is perceived as motivated by actual or perceived characteristics (race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other distinguishing trait).
Takes place on school property, at school functions, on buses, or even off-grounds if it disrupts school.
What is HIB? (Continued)
The act must also meet ONE of these criteria:
Causes physical or emotional harm, or reasonable fear of harm.
Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group.
Creates a hostile educational environment by interfering with a student's education.
Examples of HIB
Motivation + Effect
Verbal & Social
- • Spreading rumors or gossip
- • Consistent taunting
- • Intentional social isolation
- • Threats of harm
Cyberbullying
- • Harassing texts or DMs
- • Posting embarrassing media
- • Creating fake profiles
- • Public online shaming
Physical
Hitting, pushing, tripping, or damaging personal property when motivated by a characteristic.
Not All Conflict Is HIB
What usually IS NOT HIB:
-
A single, isolated instance of an unkind remark (unless severe).
-
Arguments between friends with no power imbalance.
-
Accidental physical contact.
-
General teasing that isn't persistent or malicious.
The Core Difference
HIB requires a specific motivation (a protected characteristic) and a documented effect on the educational environment.
Your Role: Creating a Safe Space
Recognize
Identify when someone is being targeted.
Prevent
Promote kindness and inclusivity daily.
Report
Take action to ensure the behavior stops.
Be an Upstander
How to Report HIB
Who to tell:
1
Any School Staff Member
2
HIB Discussion Prompts
HIB Discussion Guide
NJ HIB: Know the Law | 10th Grade
Student Name
Use these prompts to explore the complexities of New Jersey's HIB law. Consider how the legal definitions apply to real-world social interactions and online behavior.
1 Defining HIB vs. General Conflict
Based on the definition we discussed, what do you think is the most important part of the HIB law that makes it different from just being mean or having a disagreement?
2 Recognizing Motivation
The law states HIB can be motivated by actual or perceived characteristics. Can you think of an example where someone might be targeted based on a perceived characteristic, even if it's not accurate?
3 Impact and Effect
Why is the impact on the victim (creating a hostile environment or causing fear) so crucial in defining HIB, rather than just looking at the intent of the person who did it?
4 The Pervasiveness of Cyberbullying
How do you think cyberbullying can have a different or more pervasive impact than in-person bullying? Why does the law specifically highlight electronic communication?
5 Upstander Action
If you witness something that you suspect might be HIB, what are some immediate steps you could take, even if you're not sure it fits the full legal definition yet?
Stand Up Speak Out Cool Down
Stand Up, Speak Out
HIB Awareness Exit Ticket
NAME:
DATE:
Reflect & Commit
Take a few minutes to reflect on today's discussion about New Jersey's HIB law. Your honest thoughts help us create a safer school for everyone.
1
One Key Takeaway
What is one new or important thing you learned about HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying) today?
2
Your Role as an Upstander
Thinking about what we discussed, what is one specific action you can take to be an "upstander" if you witness or suspect HIB in our school community?
Safety starts with us.
