Harassment Lesson Plan Teacher Guide
Stand Up to Harassment
Classroom Tier 1 | High School | 5-Minute Lesson
SINGLE SESSION
Objective
Define harassment and equip students with safe response strategies through a brief discussion and actionable takeaways.
Time
5 Minutes
Why This Matters
Students often face harassment; understanding its meaning and having clear strategies empowers them to act and fosters respectful environments.
Preparation & Materials
- Review Slides: Familiarize yourself with definitions and examples in the Harassment Overview Slide Deck.
- Print Handouts: Prepare one copy of the Harassment Response Strategies Handout for each student.
- Tech Check: Ensure slide projection is working (10 minutes prep time recommended).
Instructional Script
1 min
Introduction & Definition
- Display the first slide from the Harassment Overview Slide Deck.
- Read the definition: "Harassment is unwanted behavior—verbal, physical, or visual—that demeans or threatens someone based on personal traits."
- Highlight a real-life example from the slide.
1 min
Discuss Impact
- Ask: "How might harassment affect someone's feelings or performance at school?"
- Invite 2–3 brief responses and reinforce with the slide bullet points regarding confidence and classroom climate.
2 min
Teach Response Strategies
- Distribute the Harassment Response Strategies Handout.
- Walk through strategies: ignore when safe, assertively name behavior ("That's not OK"), seek help, and document.
- Use slide visuals to model a simple scripted response.
1 min
Reflection & Commitment
- Ask each student to name one strategy they'll remember to use.
- Encourage a quick verbal share and thank them for contributing.
- Remind them that support is always available through counselors or admins.
Harassment Overview Slides
Student Safety Series
Stand Up to
Harassment
A quick guide to understanding harassment and taking action to keep our school safe and respectful.
What Is Harassment?
"Unwanted behavior—verbal, physical, or visual—that demeans or threatens someone based on personal traits."
Harassment creates a hostile environment that prevents people from feeling safe.
Common Examples
Verbal: Name-calling, slurs
Physical: Pushing, contact
Visual: Offensive posters, gestures
The Impact
Individual
- Lowers self-esteem and confidence
- Increases anxiety, stress, or isolation
- Physical and emotional trauma
School Culture
- Distracts from learning and participation
- Harms overall classroom climate
- Normalizes disrespectful behavior
Everyone has the right to an education free from fear and intimidation.
Response Strategies
01
Ignore Safely
If you feel safe doing so, do not give the harasser the reaction they are looking for.
02
Name the Behavior
Be assertive and clear. Say:
"That’s not OK. Please stop."
03
Seek Support
Tell a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, administrator). Asking for help is an act of strength.
04
Document Everything
Note the time, place, what was said/done, and any witnesses present.
Resources & Next Steps
Available Support
- Response Strategy Handout
- School Counselors
- Administrators
Reflection
"What’s one strategy you’ll remember to use today?"
Harassment Response Strategies Handout
Harassment Response
Student Reflection & Strategy Guide
Name:
Date:
Strategy Review
-
01
Ignore Safely: Use when it’s safe to do so.
-
02
Name Behavior: “That’s not OK. Stop.”
-
03
Seek Help: Talk to a trusted adult.
-
04
Document: Note time, place, and witnesses.
1. In your own words, what is harassment?
2. List the four response strategies from the review:
3. Which strategy do you feel most comfortable using? Explain why.
4. Describe a scenario (real or imagined) where you might apply your chosen strategy:
5. If harassment continues, how and where could you seek additional help?
My Commitment
I commit to using the following strategy if I witness or experience harassment:
Write your strategy here
