Upstander Power Teacher Guide Upstander Power Teacher Guide
Empowering 7th Graders to Act with Courage
Duration 60m
Learning Objectives
1 Define the difference between a bystander and an upstander.
2 Identify the "4Ds" of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay.
3 Analyze social scenarios to determine the safest and most effective action.
Materials Needed
Upstander Power Slides
Hero Intervention Worksheets (1 per student)
Scenario Mission Cards (1 set per 4 students)
Post-it Notes
Mission Schedule
Start 00:00
The Bystander Effect (10 min)
Hook students with a short story or hypothetical scenario where many people see something happen but no one acts. Discuss the psychological reason for this (Diffusion of Responsibility).
Phase 1 00:10
Decoding the Upstander (15 min)
Use the Slide Deck to define Upstander vs. Bystander. Introduce the 4Ds. Students follow along on the Hero Intervention Worksheet.
Phase 2 00:25
Mission: Scenario Cards (20 min)
Divide students into small groups. Give each group a set of Mission Cards. They must discuss which "D" they would use for each scenario and role-play the interaction briefly.
Wrap-Up 00:45
Power Vow & Reflection (15 min)
Students complete the reflection section on their worksheet. Share out one "safe" thing everyone can do tomorrow to make the school better.
Safety First
Always emphasize that "Upstanding" doesn't mean "Fighting." If a situation feels physically dangerous, the best Upstander move is often Delegating (getting an adult).
Pro-Tip
7th graders often fear social exclusion. Remind them that Distracting is a "stealth" way to help without putting a target on themselves.
Upstander Power Slides Mission Initiated
Upstander
Power
From passive witness to active hero.
The Bystander Effect
"I thought someone else would do something."
When people are in a group, they are less likely to help. We call this Diffusion of Responsibility.
Why do we wait?
Fear of being the next target
Not knowing what to say
Social pressure to "stay cool"
The New Definition
Bystander
A person who sees something happening—usually something bad—and does not act.
Upstander
A person who sees something wrong and takes action to help or stand up for someone else.
Being an Upstander isn't about being perfect. It's about being present.
The 4Ds
Four safe strategies to move from witness to helper.
01
Direct
02
Distract
03
Delegate
04
Delay
1
Direct
Address the situation head-on. Speak up to the person doing the harm.
"Hey, that's not cool. Stop."
2
Distract
Interrupt the situation by starting a different conversation or causing a diversion.
"Yo, do you know where the gym is? I'm lost."
3
Delegate
Get help from someone else—ideally an adult or a group of friends.
"Ms. Miller, I think something's happening in the hall."
4
Delay
Check in with the person being targeted after the incident.
"Are you okay? That was rough. Want to hang out?"
Mission: Action Cards
How will you
intervene?
Small Groups
Analyze Scenarios
Role Play Solutions
Upstander Power Mission Log Worksheet Agent Name:
Date:
Hero Mission Log
Upstander Power Intervention Guide
Phase 1: Decoding the 4Ds
Define each strategy and write a "power phrase" you could say.
Direct
Phrase:
Distract
Phrase:
Delegate
Phrase:
Delay
Phrase:
Phase 2: Mission Analysis
Strategy
Why is this the best choice for safety and impact?
The Upstander Vow
"Next time I see..."
"...I will use the strategy of because..."
Agent Signature
Upstander Power Mission Cards Scenario Mission Cards
Classified: Upstander Intervention Training
Phase 2 Activity
Cut these cards along the dashed lines. Groups discuss which 4D strategy fits best and briefly role-play the response.
Mission 01
The Group Chat
Someone starts posting edited, embarrassing photos of a classmate who isn't in the chat. Everyone is sending "LOL" emojis.
Strategy?
Mission 02
Lunchroom Wall
A group of popular kids walks by and intentionally "accidently" knocks a lonely student's water bottle off the table and keeps walking, laughing.
Strategy?
Mission 03
Locker Room
You overhear two students cornering a teammate, calling them names and telling them they "smell" and shouldn't be on the team.
Strategy?
Mission 04
The Bus Stop
Older kids are taking a younger kid's backpack and tossing it back and forth out of reach while teasing them.
Strategy?
Mission 05
Social Media
You see a post on Instagram where someone is being "called out" for something they didn't do. The comments are mean and insulting.
Strategy?
Mission 06
Hallway Whisper
Your friend is whispering a cruel rumor to another student about a girl in math class. Your friend sees you and winks, expecting you to join in.
Strategy?
Upstander Training Materials © 2026 • For Educational Use Only
Upstander Power Scenario Key Scenario Cheat Sheet
Teacher Facilitation Guide for Mission Cards
Phase 2 Discussion
How to use this guide:
While students discuss in groups, use these talking points to challenge their thinking or offer alternative strategies. Remind them that there is often no single "right" answer, but some are safer or more effective than others.
MISSION 01
The Group Chat
Best Strategies
Direct Delegate
Talking Points
"What's easier: saying 'this isn't funny' in a 50-person chat or a private message to the sender? If you report the photo (Delegate), does that make you a 'snitch' or a protector?"
MISSION 02
Lunchroom Wall
Best Strategies
Distract Delay
Talking Points
"Instead of confronting the popular kids (risky), why not just sit down and help the student pick up their bottle? This is a 'Distract' move because it shifts the focus to something helpful."
MISSION 03
Locker Room
Best Strategies
Delegate
Talking Points
"This is high stakes. If it looks physical, SAFETY FIRST. Getting a coach or teacher (Delegate) is the smartest move. Don't try to be a physical shield if you're outnumbered."
MISSION 04
The Bus Stop
Best Strategies
Distract Direct
Talking Points
"You could 'Distract' by asking the older kids a random question. Or 'Direct' by saying, 'Guys, just give it back, the bus is coming.' It uses logic to stop the behavior."
The "Safe Upstander" Mantra
"We aren't looking for a fight. We are looking for an exit. Every upstander action should prioritize the safety of the target and the helper."
