Speak Up Slides
Advocacy & Safety Guide
SPEAK UP,
STAY STRONG
Bullying & Reporting Quick Guide for 9th Grade
What is Bullying?
It's not just "drama." Bullying is unwanted, repeated harm that involves a power imbalance.
Verbal & Relational
Teasing, name-calling, spreading rumors, or social exclusion.
Cyberbullying
Harassment via text, social media, or gaming platforms.
Physical
Hitting, kicking, tripping, or damaging property.
The "Power" Factor
Using popularity, size, or knowledge to control or harm.
Your Rights
Jamari Terrell Act
Protecting Alabama Students from Bullying
Right to Investigation
Schools MUST have clear policies and investigate all reports promptly.
No Retaliation
You are legally protected from being "targeted" for reporting bullying.
5 Steps to Report
01
STAY SAFE
Walk away. Don't engage. Get to a safe, supervised space immediately.
02
DOCUMENT IT
Save screenshots. Write down the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE.
03
TELL A TRUSTED ADULT
Contact a counselor, teacher, coach, or parent. Be specific.
04
GET CONFIRMATION
Ask: "What are the next steps?" Ensure the report was officially received.
05
KNOW YOU'RE PROTECTED
The law is on your side. Reporting is an act of strength, not weakness.
Support Resources
At School
- School Counselor
- Trusted Teacher
- School Psychologist
- Anonymous Hotline/Website
In the Community
- 988 Crisis Line
- Peer Support Groups
- StopBullying.gov
- Community Helplines
Quick Practice
Scenario
"Jamari is being excluded from group projects and receives mean text messages from a group of classmates every single day."
What 3 steps would you take?
1
_____
2
_____
3
_____
My Commitment
Empowerment starts with a plan. Complete your commitment card.
I will speak up by...
I will report by...
I will seek support from...
STAY STRONG • SPEAK UP • SUPPORT OTHERS
Speak Up Action Card
Speak Up, Stay Strong
Bullying Prevention & Reporting Action Card
Name: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Safety
Rights
Action
My Reporting Checklist
-
1. Stay Safe
Leave the situation immediately.
-
2. Document Everything
Who, what, when, where? Keep screenshots.
-
3. Tell a Trusted Adult
Teacher, counselor, coach, or parent.
-
4. Get Confirmation
Ask: "How will this be followed up?"
-
5. Trust the Process
You are protected under the Jamari Terrell Act.
Support Network
School Counselor
Trusted Adult at School
Safe Peer/Friend
Crisis/Hotline Number
988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
My Personal Action Commitment
Empower yourself and your community by making a plan today.
1 I will speak up by:
2 I will report bullying behaviors by:
3 I will seek support from:
Stay Strong • Speak Up • Support Others
Speak Up Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Guide
Speak Up, Stay Strong
15-MINUTE TIER 2 SESSION
Session Objective
To empower 9th-grade students with clear definitions of bullying, awareness of their legal protections under the Jamari Terrell Act, and a concrete 5-step reporting protocol.
Materials Needed
- Speak Up Slides
- Action Commitment Cards
- Pens/Pencils
Suggested Pacing
0-3 MIN
Introduction & Definitions
Define bullying (repeated, unwanted, power imbalance). Contrast with "one-time conflict."
3-7 MIN
Legal Rights & Reporting Steps
Explain the Jamari Terrell Act. Walk through the 5 steps: Stay Safe, Document, Tell, Confirm, Know Rights.
7-12 MIN
Scenario Practice
Use the Jamari scenario to identify specific actions. Brainstorm "Trusted Adults" in the building.
12-15 MIN
Action Commitment
Students fill out individual cards. Closing encouragement: "Reporting is an act of strength."
Key Discussion Prompts
On Reporting Fear:
"What makes reporting feel difficult or 'scary' for students? How does knowing about the Jamari Terrell Act change that?"
On Being an Ally:
"If you saw what was happening to Jamari in our scenario, what could you do as a bystander to support him?"
Teacher Note: The Jamari Terrell Act
Passed in Alabama, this act requires all public schools to have a formal bullying policy. Key components facilitators should know: (1) It mandates a specific reporting process, (2) it requires prompt investigation, and (3) it explicitly prohibits retaliation against those who report. For 9th graders, emphasize that this is a legal protection—the school is legally obligated to protect them.
Tier 2 Group Intervention Support Materials Portfolio