No Place for Hate® Activity Library
What Is Identity-Based Bullying?
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GRADE LEVEL: Middle School
Overview
Bullying is a problem in our schools today. When bullying behavior targets people based on an aspect of their identity, it is identity-based bullying. This means the incident is based on bias about the target’s identity (e.g. appearance, race, culture, gender and gender identity, language, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation). Because identity-based bullying targets who the student is—a core part of their identity—it can be especially harmful. It impacts not only the individual student but others around them who identify in the same way and who worry that they may be the next target.
In this activity, students will:
- Reflect on their own identities and the identities of others.
- Explore examples of identity-based bullying.
- Consider ways to act as an ally in bullying situations.