Speaking up does not mean being the loudest person in the room. It is about being supportive when you notice something is unfair or unkind. It can be uncomfortable, as you may fear the judgement of your peers, but think about how you would feel in the same situation if nobody spoke up for you.
Speak up for someone getting excluded.
If you are aware of someone being left out, you can alert others to this and invite the person to join in. Imagine what it would be like to be left out and how you would want people to react to make you feel included and valued.
Encourage your peers to speak up.
Sometimes, people are silent or avoid getting involved because they fear speaking out alone. It only takes one person in a group to speak up, and it can encourage others to be supportive and change the situation for the better.
Speak up when you see unkind behaviour.
Don’t stand by and watch another student suffer teasing, name-calling, or hurtful jokes. You can speak up by saying, “That’s not okay,” or “Let’s be kind to each other.” This helps create a more respectful school environment.
Speak up to a peer in a disagreement.
If you notice a friend being unfairly blamed or criticised, pause, take a breath and suggest discussing the issue calmly. You can offer the facts as you understand them to support the person without blaming anyone or escalating the situation. This helps ensure fairness and truth in conflicts.
If you see someone being bullied or mistreated, speak to a teacher or trusted adult. Reporting incidents ensures that steps are taken to keep everyone safe.
Image: Unsplash credit Yuan Yong Gong