Upstander Squad Slides
4th & 5th Grade Community Workshop
Session 1
The Upstander Squad
Recognizing bullying, understanding peer conflict, and using our collective power to keep our school safe, kind, and inclusive.
Recognize
Reflect
Respond
Together, we build a community of courage and respect.
Every Voice Matters
Spot the Difference
Conflict vs. Bullying
Core Concept
Peer Conflict
A disagreement or fight between students with equal power.
- Both sides want to solve it
- Usually happens occasionally
Example: Arguing over soccer rules at recess.
Mean Moment
Saying or doing something hurtful once or twice out of anger.
- Unplanned or reactive
- Person feels regret after
Example: Blurted unkind words when frustrated.
Bullying
Meets the 3-Part Rule:
- Repeated: Happens over time
- Imbalance: Power difference
- Purposeful: Intentional harm
Action: Requires immediate adult support!
Key Check: Is there an imbalance of power, and is it on purpose?
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Awareness & Identification
The 4 Types of Bullying
Knowing What to Look For
1. Physical Bullying
Harming someone's body or personal property.
Examples: Pushing, tripping, hitting, taking or breaking someone's belongings.
2. Verbal Bullying
Using hurtful spoken words to put someone down.
Examples: Name-calling, mean teasing, insults, threats, making cruel jokes.
3. Social / Relational
Hurting someone's friendships or social standing.
Examples: Spreading rumors, purposeful exclusion ("you can't sit with us").
4. Cyberbullying
Using digital devices, games, or apps to bully.
Examples: Mean gaming chat, posting hurtful photos, fake accounts.
Important: Invisible wounds from words and exclusion hurt just as much as physical wounds.
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The Power of Choice
Bystander vs. Upstander
Courage in Action
A Bystander...
- Sees or hears bullying happening but does nothing.
- May laugh, watch, or record, making the bullying worse.
- Often stays silent because of fear or uncertainty.
Silence can signal to the bully that their behavior is okay.
An Upstander...
- Takes positive action to support the target safely.
- Refuses to laugh, join in, or spread hurtful rumors.
- Reaches out to trusted adults and includes others.
Over 50% of bullying stops when an upstander steps in within 10 seconds!
Takeaway: You don't have to be a superhero—small positive actions create big change.
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Action Toolkit
The 4-D Upstander Strategies
Choose Your Best Move
1
Direct
Speak up calmly if safe.
Say firmly: "That's not cool," or "We don't treat people like that here."
Use when you feel safe to speak.
2
Distract
Interrupt the moment.
Change the subject or invite the target: "Hey, come play basketball with us!"
Breaks the bully's momentum.
3
Delegate
Get adult help.
Tell a teacher, counselor, or yard duty right away. Reporting is NOT tattling!
Reporting keeps everyone safe.
4
Delay
Check in afterwards.
Walk with them, sit together at lunch, and say: "I'm sorry that happened. I'm with you."
Shows they are not alone.
Safety First: Never use violence or put yourself in physical danger.
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Watch & Reflect
Upstanders in Action
Video Spotlight
Anti-Bullying Feature Video
Watch how small choices can change the outcome for someone in our school community.
Question 1
Which Upstander strategy (Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay) did you observe?
Question 2
How did the target's emotions shift once someone stood with them?
Question 3
What would you have done if you were standing nearby?
Turn & Talk: Share your answers with your shoulder partner for 2 minutes.
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Practice Time
What Would You Do?
Scenario Challenge
Scenario A: The Cafeteria Table
During lunch, a group of students blocks an empty seat and tells a new student, "You can't sit here, this table is only for popular kids." Others are watching and laughing quietly.
Upstander Move:
Which strategy would you use? (e.g., Distract by waving them over: "Hey, sit with us!" or Direct: "Everyone is welcome at these tables.")
Scenario B: Group Chat Drama
In an online class game chat, two players keep sending mean comments about another classmate's gameplay and tell everyone to vote them out of the match repeatedly.
Upstander Move:
Which strategy fits best? (e.g., Direct: "Keep it fun and respectful," Delegate by taking a screenshot for an adult, or Delay by messaging the student).
Discuss: How does choosing one of the 4 D's change the situation?
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Our Commitment
Our Upstander Pledge
Class Community
1. Choose Kindness
I will treat every classmate with dignity, empathy, and respect every single day.
2. Include Everyone
I will invite others to join games, cafeteria tables, and group projects.
3. Speak Up Safely
I will use the 4 D's to support peers and refuse to stay a silent bystander.
4. Ask for Help
I know that reaching out to teachers and trusted adults protects our community.
"One person can make a difference, but together we make a change!"
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