Bias + Bullying = Identity-Based Bullying

GRADE LEVEL: Elementary School

Overview

Bullying is one of the ways that bias happens in schools. When the bullying behavior targets an aspect of someone’s identity, it is called identity-based bullying. This means the bullying is based on prejudice or bias about the target’s identity (e.g., appearance, race, culture, gender, religion, etc.). Because identity-based bullying targets a core part of who the person is—their identity—it can be especially harmful not only to that person but others around them who identify in the same way or who worry that their identity group may be the next target.

In this activity, students will:

• Understand what identity is and reflect on aspects of their and others’ identities.
• Consider the connection between bullying, bias and identity.
• Explore what identity-based bullying means and how to address it.