How to UnMake a Bully (Original)

Summary

This script centers around students navigating bullying and the importance of standing up for others. It follows the story of Dale, who gets hurt by a bully named Russell, and explores how different students respond to the bullying situation. Through various examples of bullying, such as name-calling and exclusion, the story highlights the challenges of standing up to bullies, the complexities behind their behavior, and the need for empathy and support. Ultimately, the message emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in addressing bullying and helping both victims and bullies.

Takeaways

• 🤕 Dale got injured, and it's clear that this is more serious than just a simple fall.
• 🤐 Russell has been bullying others, and Dale's injury may have been caused by him and another student named Joey.
• 😟 The script emphasizes how difficult it is to stand up to bullies, especially when no one else is willing to speak up.
• 💬 Bullying can be a cycle—Russell might have become a bully after being bullied by an older student, Jack.
• 🗣️ The importance of speaking up is a recurring theme, but the script also shows the fear of retaliation and loss of friendship.
• 🤝 Several examples illustrate how students can work through conflicts, whether by standing up for themselves or talking things out.
• 👥 Supporting others who are being bullied and creating a united front against the bully is portrayed as an effective solution.
• 🕊️ Even bullies, like Russell, may act out because they are struggling with their own feelings, and helping them break the cycle can be challenging.
• ⏳ Solving bullying isn't instant; it takes time, communication, and patience to address underlying issues and encourage change.
• 💡 The script encourages self-reflection on the part of bullies and urges their peers to provide support, fostering a better sense of community and teamwork.

Q & A

What caused Dale's injury?

Dale was hurt by Russell, who threw him down and got Joey to kick him.

Why is Russell bullying other students?

Russell may be bullying others because he was bullied by Jack a couple of years ago and might have turned into a bully himself as a way to cope.

Why is Dale hesitant to report Russell's bullying?

Dale is hesitant to report Russell because he doesn't want to feel like he's going against him, and he's also afraid of what Russell might do in retaliation.

How did Taylor handle being bullied, and what was the outcome?

Taylor initially tried to ignore the name-calling from Devon, but after it persisted and went too far, he eventually reported it to the teacher, who addressed the issue.

What mistake did Shelly make when dealing with Jenny's rumor-spreading?

Instead of confronting Jenny directly, Shelly listened to Leila, who set up a three-way call for Shelly to eavesdrop on Jenny's conversation, which only made things worse when Jenny found out.

What lesson did the students learn about standing up for others?

The students learned that standing around and doing nothing can be just as harmful as joining in on the bullying, and that it's important to stick up for others when they can't stand up for themselves.

Why do the students feel hesitant about confronting Russell?

The students feel hesitant because Russell is seen as more intimidating than others like JT, and they fear his reaction if they confront him.

How does Jack, the former bully, explain his behavior in the past?

Jack explains that he bullied others because he didn't feel good about himself, and hurting others made him feel powerful temporarily, but ultimately made him feel worse.

What advice does Jack give about dealing with bullies like Russell?

Jack advises that bullies often act out because of their own insecurities, and that it takes time for them to change, but with help from teachers and classmates, bullies can begin to understand the impact of their actions.

What is the final message about dealing with bullying in the script?

The final message is that while there isn't a fast solution to bullying, sticking together, supporting one another, and encouraging the bully to reflect on their actions can make a difference over time.