Students need to recognize that our words have consequences. When victims are bullied, they are experiencing fear, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem. This can lead to victims changing their behaviors and interests to make sure that they are in a safe situation. Often times this ends with isolation and a loss of previous interests, like sports, clubs, socializing. This can also lead to more extreme outcomes. When victims feel like they are not accepted, they may develop dangerous habits to help cope with this stress. This may manifest as addiction, an eating disorder, or even self harm.
In this activity, students will create a timeline of a victim of bullying. Activities like the ones shown can help students visualize the impact of their words by helping them to think before they speak. The goal of this activity is to prevent bullying. After the students complete their work, have a discussion of how the long-term effect can persist into adulthood.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the impact of being a bullying victim in both the short term and the long term.