School Monologues
Act Against Bullying is offering schools the use of their monologues. They claim they are a tool to prevent bullying, promote empathy and inspire debate.
The monologues were written by the charity’s founder Louise Burfitt-Dons in 2000. They’ve been used by hundreds of schools and organisations. Over the years they’ve been updated to address contemporary issues: cyberbullying, social media, sexting, and parental abuse.
Act Against Bullying says: “School monologues are fun and effective. We recommend using role-play and discussion together. The monologues help help shy young people normally silent to speak up.”
Research has shown that some students may not actively participate in bullying, but may go along with a group out of fear or disengagement.
“The students can understand these situations. They’re moer everyday and deal with social problems. The charity believes that “bullying starts with the little things” and then grows. “Bullying can be subjective. This is where the debate comes in.”
“The school monologues show that not just the person who is being “left out” or sidelined is affected,” says head teacher Sue Thomas. “Everyone feels bad. They are a great resource. I can’t recommend them enough.”
To access the first set of monologues
School Monologue discussions:
As well as discussing the feelings of the actor reading the set scene piece there are several questions which can be posed such as at what point does teasing become something more serious?.
Sample of School Monologues: Picking Teams
In games the teacher asked Joanne and Kate to pick teams. They had to stand at the front. At first it wasn’t too bad. Joanne picked Kirsty first, but then they’re really good friends.
Kate is always with Jane. But then it got to the end and it became really embarrassing. I was trying not to cry. Kate looked at me and I thought she was going to pick me but Jane said ‘No, pick Elaine. Elaine.’ So, she did. And then all the others were picked and it was just the two of us left.
Joanne picked Emily and so I was left to go to Kate’s team and they all looked disappointed. I started to cry. I was trying not to but it’s horrible when no one wants you at all. Kate said, ‘I wanted to pick you. Honest I did.’ After that they weren’t too bad.
I wish the teacher would pick the teams. Then I wouldn’t always be left to the end because everyone stares at you like you’ve got something wrong with you.
Sample discussion questions:
- Is this sort of thing bullying or just fair selection?
- If you were in the position of Joanne or Kate, would you have picked this girl?
- Does this sort of thing happen much in school?
- How should you react if this happens to you?
- Should teachers pick teams or is this something which you can’t avoid?
To download Picking Teams: Sign up to the AAB Newsletter.
Why what we do matters...
Because bullying is a serious issue that can have lasting and damaging effects on people and society itself. Bullying can cause physical and emotional harm, lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression, and can even contribute to suicide.
By raising awareness about the negative impact of bullying, Act Against Bullying can help create safer spaces for everone. We can influence change by way of promoting policies that reduce bullying to occur, educate schools and the public in general about the harm caused by bullying, and provide support for those who have been affected.
Additionally, what we do can promote empathy, kindness, and respect for others. By highlighting the experiences of those who have been bullied and encouraging people to stand up against it, we can help create a culture of tolerance and compassion.
Overall, it matters because it helps to address the root causes of bullying and to create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe.
