Belonging: Daily messages for Secondary
The following daily messages were developed for Bullying No Way week 2024. They can be used as part of ongoing bullying prevention in secondary school classrooms.
Daily messages like these can be used to help build a positive culture of belonging in our schools enhancing this important protective factor against bullying.
Share these messages with your students with each day for a week as a way to open thoughtful consideration about belonging and respect and how important they are to feeling safe and supported at school.
Day 1: Challenge stereotypes
Challenge stereotypes
[Upbeat thoughtful music plays while camera pans across group of students aged approximately 9-16 years as they talk and look like they are thinking]
[Student uses a recording clapperboard]
[Text reading “Challenge stereotypes” appears on screen before camera returns to group of youth. They take turns sharing their thoughts on what stereotypes are, speaking one after the other]
What is a stereotype?
What is a stereotype? I'm actually not too sure.
A stereotype is when you judge someone based on their looks the first time you meet them. It's like judging a book by its cover, never judge a book by its cover.
It's a label. Judging people by what they look like, where they live, or where they come from.
What good things happen when we challenge stereotypes?
You learn new things about people.
Everyone feels accepted.
Big changes happen.
Challenging stereotypes helps us all belong.
There’s less chance of being judged.
What’s on the outside isn’t everything about a person, you need to get to know what’s on the inside too.
We need to remember that everyone is different, and that’s okay.
[Students all agree with each other]
Yeah, yeah, yes.
It would be really boring if everyone was the same.
[The group shouts at the same time]
This is belonging.
[Upbeat thoughtful music outro]
This week, as part of a focus on bullying and bullying prevention, we’re focusing on the importance of belonging.
In our school, creating a sense of belonging is an important part of building an environment where bullying has no place.
Today, we are focusing on challenging stereotypes and biased beliefs we may not even realise we have. Examples of stereotyping might be making assumptions based on someone’s appearance, gender or country of birth. It could be assuming certain groups of people are only capable of doing certain roles, or treating people as representatives of a group instead of recognising their unique qualities and experiences.
By recognising and confronting these ideas, we can promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion – where everyone feels respected and valued for who they are.
Take a moment to reflect: What stereotypes might you hold? How has that affected the way you treat people? How will you help others feel they are included and belong in our school?
Remember, your actions, both big and small, make a huge difference. Let's be aware of, and challenge, our assumptions. Let’s make sure the way we treat others helps everyone feel they belong.
Day 2: Promote empathy
Promote empathy
[Upbeat thoughtful music plays while group of students aged approximately 9 to 16 high-five and gather together]
[Text appears on screen reading “Promote empathy”]
[Student reads question from phone which appears on screen as a text message. Camera pans between students as they share ideas between them]
What does empathy mean?
Empathy means understanding and supporting someone,
checking in with somebody, showing you care about them.
It's being in someone else's shoes, knowing how they feel.
It helps people feel connected.
Yeah, like they’re part of something.
It makes your friendships stronger.
Being passionate and kind.
Treating people how you would like to be treated.
What good things can happen when we show empathy?
When someone shows empathy, we feel less alone.
It makes bad times feel not as bad.
When we have empathy, bullying has no effect, because you wouldn’t want to feel that way.
[Students agree out loud together]
Yeah
When you show people empathy, they feel loved and supported,
and that they belong.
[Students all shout together]
This is belonging
[Upbeat thoughtful music]
This week, as part of a focus on bullying and bullying prevention, we’re looking at the importance of belonging.
In our school community, ensuring a sense of belonging is very important so that we can create an environment where bullying has no place.
Today we will be talking about empathy. Understanding and compassion for others not only strengthen our personal connections with others but also significantly reduces the likelihood of hurtful behaviour in our school community.
Empathy is about putting ourselves in someone else's shoes, recognising their feelings, and responding with kindness and support. It could be as simple as listening without judgment when a friend is going through a tough time or reaching out to include someone who may be feeling left out. When we practise empathy in our interactions, it helps build a culture of inclusivity and acceptance where everyone feels valued and understood.
How can you personally show empathy to others and contribute to making our school a more caring and inclusive place for everyone?
Day 3: Embrace diversity
Embrace diversity
[Upbeat music plays while students gather together greeting one another, talking and using a filming clapperboard]
[Text appears on screen reading “Embrace diversity” before transitioning back to the students. The camera pans between them as they discuss the topic, jumping in with ideas one after the other]
What does diversity mean?
Diversity means having lots of different people, ideas and backgrounds all mixed together.
Everyone’s different and no one is exactly the same.
Everybody brings something unique.
It’s like a big melting pot where everyone brings something different to the table.
How can we embrace diversity?
Ask questions about other people’s diversities.
Stand up for fairness.
Make new friends.
We can make everybody feel safe, welcomed and accepted.
What good things can happen when we embrace diversity?
We all learn from each other.
Yeah, we’re stronger together.
[Students agree together, they nod heads, smile and high-five]
Yeah, yeah!
When we embrace diversity, everyone belongs.
There are lots of different ideas and ways of thinking.
When we embrace diversity, the world’s a better place.
[Students shout together]
This is belonging!
[Upbeat music plays for outro]
This week, as part of a focus on bullying and bullying prevention, we’re looking at the importance of belonging. In our school community, ensuring a sense of belonging is very important so that we can create an environment where bullying has no place.
Today we will be exploring what it means to value and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, interests, and identities of each student, to ensure an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and accepted.
Embracing diversity isn't just about tolerance; it's about actively embracing the richness that comes from unity in our differences.
How can you demonstrate to someone that you value and honour their unique qualities, and what actions can others take to make you feel appreciated and celebrated for who you are?
Day 4: Foster positive relationships
Foster positive relationships
[Upbeat thoughtful music plays as group of students aged approximately 9-16 years walk onto the set. They get comfortable as they laugh and talk together]
[Text appears on screen reading “Foster positive relationships”]
[Student reads from phone as a text bubble appears on screen]
What is a positive relationship?
[Camera pans quickly between students as they share ideas]
Friendship, where you've got your mate’s back.
It’s when you have a really strong bond and you cheer each other on.
When you can talk to someone about anything,
and make sure they feel like they belong.
How can we create a positive relationship?
Always choose to be kind and help out.
It’s about listening to each other,
being committed to kindness,
and sharing your feelings.
[Student reads from phone]
What good things happen when we have positive relationships?
[Youth take turns answering question]
You can make mistakes and not feel bad about them.
You get to know someone deeply.
You just always know you’ve got that person there the whole time.
You feel more confident about yourself.
[Group agrees together]
Yeah.
With a positive relationship, there’s no place for bullying.
[Group shout together]
This is belonging!
[Upbeat musical outro]
This week, as part of a focus on bullying and bullying prevention, we’re looking at the importance of belonging. In our school community, ensuring a sense of belonging is very important so that we can create an environment where bullying has no place.
Today we will be focusing on positive relationships. Positive relationships go beyond just having a large circle of friends; they're about forming meaningful connections where we feel accepted and appreciated for who we are. It's about being able to rely on each other, share our wins and struggles, and offer genuine support and encouragement.
Positive relationships involve showing empathy, respect, and understanding towards one another, even when we may disagree.
What positive actions can you take to strengthen your friendships and become a better friend?
Day 5: Provide support
Provide support
[Upbeat htoughful music plays. A group of youth aged approximately 9-16 years are gathered together, laughing, talking and clapping]
[Student reads from phone, as message appears on screen]
What does support mean?
Support means having each other’s back — a safety net that’s going to catch you.
You’ve got someone there to guide you and help you.
It’s also about helping others.
Yeah, yeah!
[Student reads from phone]
What does support look like in schools?
[Others answer question]
It could be a guidance counsellor or a fun group.
I’d probably speak to a teacher who I think would understand.
You can speak to your parents.
There’s also Kids Helpline.
It’s about focusing on students’ mental health.
What good things happen when we have support?
You can do anything you put your mind to.
There’s no way you’ll fall down.
You know that you’re not alone — and no matter what path you take,
someone will always be there to support you.
[Students shout together]
This is belonging!
[Music plays for outro]
This week, as part of a focus on bullying and bullying prevention we’ve focussed on what it means to belong and how challenging stereotypes, showing empathy, embracing diversity and having positive relationships can reduce the chances of bullying happening in our school community.
It’s important to know that if you or someone you know is dealing with bullying, you should reach out for support.
You can find help by <insert your school’s specific details here e.g. talking to a trusted adult like a teacher, counsellor, or administrator>. In our school, you can report bullying by <insert your school’s specific content here e.g. visiting the counsellor’s office or using the anonymous reporting system available on our school website>. You can also report online bullying at https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/forms
You don't have to face bullying alone – there are people here to help you and make sure you feel safe and supported in school.