1. (the most common type of bullying)
Advisory Lesson
SOCIAL BULLYING
(the most common type of bullying)
RUMORS AND GOSSIP

2. Why are Gossip and Rumors like Glitter?
Ask for responses.

3. Responses It’s fun and sparkly but can be a big mess.
It sticks to you and you can’t get it all off even if try.
It easily travels with you even where you didn’t intend.
It can put the spotlight on someone who doesn’t want the attention.

4. RUMOR
A rumor is a piece of information or a story that has not been verified, meaning that the person telling it doesn’t know if it’s true or false.
Definition of Rumor

5. GOSSIP
Gossip occurs when a person reveals unkind personal and/or sensational information about others that are private and people don’t want others to know.
Definition of gossip

6. Gossip Girl
About 3 minutes

7. REAL OR MADEUP
Rumors and Gossip might be true, they might be partially true, or totally made up. Unless someone can definitely say the story is true - it will stay a rumor or gossip story!

8. HOW DO RUMORS AND GOSSIP SPREAD
From person to person, or can spread from one person to a bunch of people at once. This is usually done behind the person’s back. Social media is a big source of rumor and gossip
Ask students if they use Instagram or Snapchat.

9. RUMORS AND GOSSIP CAN CHANGE
They can change slightly each time they’re told, so they get even more distorted or exaggerated over time

10. WHY DO PEOPLE GOSSIP AND SPREAD RUMORS?
To feel superior
To feel like part of a group
For attention
For control or power
Out of jealously/revenge
Out of boredom
THIS IS SOCIAL BULLYING
Emphasize social bullying!

11. Why It Hurts, Why It’s Wrong
WORDS HURT as much or more than a punch! (Verbal, Written, Social Media)
Gossip and rumors are a form of exclusion - leaving someone out!
GOSSIP AND RUMORS DESTROY TRUST!
True or not, private is private!

12. BREAKING THE CHAIN
Decide whether the rumor or gossip is hurtful or harmless by asking yourself the following questions.

13. QUESTIONS Why would I want to pass this on?
Would I want people to know this about me?
Put yourself in their shoes. Think: How will this
person feel? How would I feel if it were me? EMPATHY
Will this rumor change how people feel about this person?
Will this person be excluded from the group?
Any additional questions?

14. RUMOR/GOSSIP BLOCKS Make the rumor or gossip stop with you
Don’t be part of the audience
Be a peacemaker - speak up - label it a rumor!
Respect other’s privacy
Get the facts
Talk to a trusted adult

15. Speak Up That sounds like a rumor to me! You don’t have proof of that!
You don’t know if that’s true!
That sounds like something you should talk about with the person involved – get the facts!

16. THINK ABOUT THIS

17. What can we do here at Harper Park to stop rumors and gossip?

18. Remember When is comes to Rumors and Gossip
Keep the glitter jars CLOSED!

19. HPMS Students .
Be There
Be Ready
Be Kind