What Is Identity-Based Bullying?

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School

Overview

Bullying is a major issue in our schools today. When the bullying behavior targets aspects of a person’s identity, it is called identity-based bullying. This means the incident is based on bias about the target’s identity. 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.
• Understand the connection between bullying, bias and identity
• Explore examples of identity-based bullying