Ages 11 - 15. 

• To raise awareness of the bullying phenomenon.

• To develop empathy towards individuals involved in bullying situations.

• To enhance the ability to identify bullying situations and understand appropriate responses.

• To explore the reasons behind someone becoming a bully.

• To sensitize the audience and give a voice to students who may feel bullied or exposed to bullying.

• Here and now: The activity encourages participants to immerse themselves in the present moment, identifying and responding to bullying as it happens.

• Awareness: The activity fosters an increased awareness among participants about their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in bullying situations. It also helps them recognize the impact of such situations on victims and bullies alike, promoting a deeper understanding of personal and social dynamics involved.

• Responsibility: By exploring different outcomes and interventions, participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and their role in preventing and addressing bullying. This principle highlights the importance of individual and collective action in creating a safer school environment.

• Creative adjustment and experimentation: The improvisational aspect of the activity allows for creative exploration of different ways to handle bullying scenarios. Participants can experiment with various strategies and behaviours, learning through trial and error in a supportive setting.

• Contact: Through role-playing and discussion, participants make contact with the experiences and perspectives of others involved in bullying, including victims, bystanders, and bullies. This enhances empathy and understanding, crucial for effective intervention and support.

• Self-regulation: The activity provides a space for participants to experience and regulate their emotional responses to bullying, practicing self-control and thoughtful reaction in challenging situations.

• None required.

Approximately 60 minutes.

Preparation: Brief participants on the type of bullying scenario they will be improvising. Ensure they understand the context and have thought through the elements necessary to convincingly depict a school bullying situation.

Step 1: Conduct a 5-minute theatrical performance depicting a bullying incident, freezing the scene at its peak moment of violence (e.g., when the bully raises a hand to the victim).

Step 2: Pause the scene to ask the audience at which point a different outcome could redirect the story towards a more positive ending. Encourage audience members to suggest improvisations for alternative reactions.

Step 3: Divide the audience into small groups to discuss violence or bullying situations they know of or are facing in their schools.

Step 4: Conclude with the creation of a school coexistence contract, incorporating ideas from both students and teachers. This contract should be agreed upon and signed by all participants. 

For younger children, focus on simple, clear actions like telling a trusted adult or using kind words. For teens and adults, include role-playing or discussion about bystander intervention and digital bullying. For groups with diverse cultural backgrounds, ensure examples are culturally sensitive and relevant. For virtual or hybrid settings, incorporate online scenarios and strategies for cyberbullying. For participants with limited verbal skills, use visual aids, pictures, or social stories to explore responses to bullying.

For students: Reflect on your feelings, what stood out, the most challenging and easiest parts, and anything else noticed during the activity.

For the audience: Discuss feelings and thoughts about witnessing the scenes, whether the events seem isolated or common, possible actions in a bullying situation, where to seek help, and personal reactions if victimized.

Increased understanding and awareness of bullying dynamics.

Enhanced empathy towards victims and bullies, understanding their roles and motivations.

Identification of constructive responses and interventions to address bullying.

This activity is designed to foster a supportive environment where participants can safely explore and express their thoughts and feelings about bullying. Facilitators should ensure that discussions remain respectful and constructive, with a focus on understanding and addressing the issue of bullying in a holistic manner.