Standing up for myself and others

This session

Theme: Build a shared toolkit of safe, practical strategies for standing up to harmful behaviour, online and offline, by exploring options for yourself, supporting others, and knowing when to escalate for help.

Learning outcomes: In this session, students will learn to:

• Identify a range of strategies for standing up for themselves and others
• Match strategies to online and offline scenarios
• Reflect on when to ignore, engage, or escalate
• Select strategies they feel confident using in real life

Activities:

• Class activity, 5 mins: Power Moves
• Small group activity, 20 mins: Building the toolkit — PDF: Strategy cards
• Small group activity, 20 mins: Student scenario challenge
• Reflection, 10 mins: My strategy toolkit
• Wrap-up, 5 mins: Strategy spotlight.
• Extensions:
  • Digital design
  • School spotlight

Key messages:

• Choice is power: Having more than one strategy gives you control. What works in one situation might not work in another — and that’s okay.
• Safety first: The best strategy is the one that keeps you safe, even if it means walking away, helping later or asking for help.
• Small actions matter: Even a quick message, sitting with someone, or showing support online can make a big difference for others.
• Help is not weakness: Seeking support when harm continues or feels overwhelming is a smart and responsible choice.
• Everyone has a role: Standing up doesn’t always mean confrontation - it can mean support, evidence gathering, or quietly having someone’s back.

Classroom resources:

• Slide deck: Standing up for myself and others session
• PDF handout: Strategy cards

Teacher support:

• Facilitator guide – with context, research, and learning progression.
• Activity plan – with step by step instructions.