Bullying and Being Mean PSHE lesson plan
This PSHE lesson gives UK teachers a ready-to-teach way to introduce bullying and unkind behaviour with Reception pupils, using calm, age-appropriate language and structured discussion. Pupils learn to recognise when someone is being unkind, understand how this can affect others, and practise safe ways to respond, including asking a trusted adult for help.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Bullying and Being Mean
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce bullying and unkind behaviour with confidence.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Recognising unkind behaviour and practising safe responses
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise examples of unkind behaviour, such as exclusion, name calling or laughing at someone
recognise that bullying involves unkind behaviour that happens more than once
recognise when a situation feels unsafe or needs adult support
Understand
understand how unkind behaviour can affect the way someone feels
understand that everyone has a role to play in building a kind and inclusive classroom
Practise
practise using respectful language to respond to unkind behaviour
practise safe ways to support a friend who is being treated unfairly
practise identifying a trusted adult to speak to when something feels wrong
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Reception pupils who are beginning to learn about kindness, unkind behaviour and respectful relationships.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class culture and behaviour expectation work
early anti-bullying or respectful relationships work
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing respectful relationships Use when pupils are learning simple language for kindness, unkind behaviour and help-seeking for the first time.
Building classroom culture Use when establishing early expectations around kindness, inclusion and respectful behaviour.
Reinforcing class expectations Use when revisiting agreed classroom behaviour and how everyone should treat one another.
Supporting pupils after friendship issues Use to guide structured discussion following exclusion or unkind behaviour between pupils.
Practising safe responses Use when pupils are learning how to respond to unkind behaviour without arguing or being unkind back.
Building help-seeking confidence Use when pupils need support recognising when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils need simple, usable language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing how to respond before difficult patterns become part of everyday classroom life. Dealing with harmful behaviour is not only about responding after something has happened. It is also about helping pupils notice unfair treatment early, speak up safely and know that asking for help is always the right choice. This lesson supports a calmer classroom culture by helping pupils understand that kindness is something they can actively choose, and that trusted adults are there to help when a situation feels unsafe or too difficult to manage alone.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Social awareness Pupils notice when someone is being treated unkindly or left out.
Empathy Pupils consider how unkind behaviour might make someone feel.
Respectful communication Pupils practise using kind but firm words in response to unkind behaviour.
Relationship skills Pupils learn how to support a friend who is being treated unfairly.
Help-seeking Pupils learn when and how to ask a trusted adult for support.
Belonging Pupils reinforce that everyone deserves to feel safe and included.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share other people's stories
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios, not personal accusations
Make clear the lesson is about learning safe choices, not blaming anyone
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to at school
During delivery
Use simple examples such as being left out, laughed at or spoken to unkindly
Give pupils time to practise phrases aloud where appropriate
Reinforce that pupils do not need to argue, retaliate or manage unsafe situations alone
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help is a responsible and sensible choice
Explain that unsafe or unkind behaviour should always be shared with a trusted adult
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or drawing for pupils who are less confident speaking aloud
Spend more time identifying trusted adults if pupils need extra support with this concept
Adjust pacing and language depending on pupils' familiarity with these ideas
