002. the rumour mill: cyberbullying and the stop, block, tell rule (ks3)
Learn to identify cyberbullying, understand its impact, and take positive action using the essential
Information spreads incredibly fast on the internet. Sometimes, that is a great thing - but when rumours or mean comments start circulating, it can cause real harm. Today, we are looking at cyberbullying. You will learn how to spot it, understand why it happens, and most importantly, how to use the "Stop, Block, Tell" rule to protect yourself and your friends.
Squashing the Digital Drama
The Speed of the Web
The internet is amazing for sharing information quickly. A funny meme can travel around the world in seconds. But there is a darker side to this speed. When rumours, embarrassing photos, or mean comments are posted, they spread just as fast. This is the heart of cyberbullying.
Unlike a disagreement in the playground, digital drama does not stop when the school bell rings. It follows you home, buzzing in your pocket and pinging on your screen. This means the target often feels like there is no escape.
Spotting the Signs
Cyberbullying is not always obvious name-calling. It can be sneaky. It includes deliberately excluding someone from a group gaming session, creating fake profiles to mock someone, or sharing private messages without permission. If an online action is repeated, intentional, and causes harm, it crosses the line from a joke into bullying.
Taking Control: Stop, Block, Tell
If you or a friend find yourselves caught in the rumour mill, you need a strategy. You must use the Stop, Block, Tell rule.
Stop: Do not reply or retaliate. Bullies often want a reaction. Starve them of the attention they are looking for.
Block: Take away their access to you. Use the settings on the app, console, or website to block their account.
Tell: This is the most important step. Take screenshots of the messages to gather your evidence, then talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
By understanding how digital platforms work and using tools to protect yourself, you are stepping up as a responsible digital citizen. You have the power to control your online environment.
Comprehension Questions
Make sure you have read the passage carefully. Grab yourself a piece of lined paper and put your name, class and date at the top. Attempt the questions following questions making sure to answer in full sentences.
Knowledge, recall, identification
1
What is the definition of cyberbullying according to the text?
2
List three sneaky actions that count as cyberbullying.
3
What are the three specific steps in the "Stop, Block, Tell" rule?
Analysis & Interpretation
4
Explain why a rumour spreading online can sometimes be more damaging than one spoken in a school corridor.
5
Why does the text recommend that you do not reply or retaliate to a cyberbully?
6
How does capturing a screenshot help when dealing with online bullying?
Synthesis & Creation
7
Imagine a friend tells you they are being continuously mocked on a multiplayer gaming app. Describe the exact steps you would advise them to take using the "Stop, Block, Tell" rule.
8
Create a short, supportive message you could send to a classmate who has been deliberately excluded from a class group chat.
9
Suggest two ways that social media platforms or gaming consoles could improve their "blocking" features to better protect users.
Evaluation & Justification
10
To what extent is cyberbullying harder to escape than face-to-face bullying? Justify your answer using examples from the text.
11
"Telling an adult about cyberbullying always makes the situation better." Evaluate this statement, considering both the benefits and potential worries a student might have.
12
To what extent should social media companies be held responsible for the bullying that happens on their platforms? Justify your opinion.
Plugged Task: Digital Drama Defenders
You are part of the school's digital wellbeing committee. A concerning trend of online rumours is spreading across Year 8 group chats. Your task is to create a digital presentation or infographic that clearly explains the "Stop, Block, Tell" rule to younger students, empowering them to take control of their online safety.
The Persona
You are acting as The Responsible Innovator. This means you are not just using technology; you are actively thinking about how it impacts people's lives and well-being. You use your digital skills to create positive online environments and stand up for what is right.
1
Research the problem
First, you need to understand exactly what cyberbullying looks like so you can accurately explain it to others.
1
Use this search link to find some real-world examples of digital drama to include in your presentation: Examples of cyberbullying
2
Think about why it can be so hard for victims to simply block the bullies. Use the AI prompt below to gather some expert advice to include in your project.
Act as an expert school counselor. Explain why blocking someone who is bullying you online is an effective strategy but can feel difficult to do. Keep your response under 100 words. Your audience is a 13-year-old student. Use an empathetic, supportive, and clear tone. You must use bullet points for the main reasons. NO intro, NO outro, NO deviation from the topic, NO follow-up questions.
2
Plan your content
Now that you have your research, map out the three main sections of your presentation.
1
Create a section for Stop. Explain why reacting to a bully often gives them the attention they want and makes the situation worse.
2
Create a section for Block. Provide brief, encouraging advice on why using blocking tools is a strong and positive choice.
3
Create a section for Tell. Emphasise the importance of gathering evidence before deleting messages. If you do not know how to collect evidence, use this search: How to take a screenshot
3
Build your digital artefact
Open your chosen presentation software or graphic design tool to create the final product.
1
Ensure your design is eye-catching and uses clear, readable fonts suitable for a younger student audience.
2
Add relevant icons, shapes, or images to represent each step of the Stop, Block, Tell rule.
3
Review your work to ensure the tone is supportive, educational, and empowering.
Outcome
I have created a digital presentation or infographic.
I have clearly defined cyberbullying and provided realistic examples.
I have explained the "Stop", "Block", and "Tell" steps accurately.
I have included empathetic reasons why blocking is important but sometimes difficult.
My digital design is suitable, clear, and engaging for a younger Key Stage 3 audience.
Unplugged Task: The Drama-Free Storyboard
As The Responsible Innovator, you know that sometimes the best way to explain a complex digital problem is through a simple, relatable visual story. Your task is to design a six-panel comic strip on paper that teaches someone how to handle a cyberbullying situation using the Stop, Block, Tell rule.
1
Take a blank piece of paper and fold it in half, then fold it into thirds. When you unfold it, you will have a perfect six-panel storyboard grid.
2
In the first panel, draw a realistic scenario where a character experiences cyberbullying, such as receiving an unkind message or being deliberately excluded from a group chat.
3
In the second panel, show the character's immediate reaction and their smart decision to use the Stop rule by stepping away from the device instead of typing an angry reply.
4
In the third and fourth panels, illustrate the Block step. Draw the character navigating the app's settings to block the bully's account to protect their own digital space.
5
In the fifth panel, clearly show the Tell step. The character should be taking a screenshot of the evidence and showing it to a trusted adult.
6
In the final panel, draw the positive resolution, showing the character feeling safe, supported, and back in control of their digital wellbeing.
7
Add speech bubbles and short captions to explain exactly what is happening in each step. Make sure your language is clear, supportive, and focuses on making the internet a better place.
Last modified: April 16th, 2026
