002: the rumour mill: understanding cyberbullying and the stop, block, tell rule (ks2)
Learn how to defeat the Rumour Mill with the
Operation: Kindness Keeper
The Scenario
You have been hired by the "Digital Safety Squad". Reports are coming in that a nasty rumour is spreading through a school's chat app. It's moving fast, like a virus! The students are upset and don't know what to do. They need a clear guide on how to handle cyberbullying.
The Persona
You are The Responsible Innovator. You care about how technology affects people's feelings. You ask, "Is this safe?" and "Is this kind?". Your superpower is empathy—understanding how others feel and helping them stay safe.
You have been hired by the "Digital Safety Squad". Reports are coming in that a nasty rumour is spreading through a school's chat app. It's moving fast, like a virus! The students are upset and don't know what to do. They need a clear guide on how to handle cyberbullying.
You are The Responsible Innovator. You care about how technology affects people's feelings. You ask, "Is this safe?" and "Is this kind?". Your superpower is empathy—understanding how others feel and helping them stay safe.
1
Receive Your Mission
Open a new document in your word processor or presentation software.
Give it the title: Operation Kindness Keeper.
Type your name and class at the top.
Type the subtitle: How to defeat the Rumour Mill.
2
Decode the Evidence
Imagine you see a message in a group chat that says something mean about a friend.
In your document, create a heading: The Problem.
Answer these two questions in full sentences:
1
How might the person being bullied feel? (Use words like anxious, sad, lonely).
2
Why is it important NOT to forward or reply to the mean message?
3
Activate Protocol: Stop, Block, Tell
This is the most important part of your mission. You need to explain the solution.
Create a table with 3 columns and 2 rows.
In the top row, add these headings: STOP, BLOCK, TELL.
In the row below, write instructions for each rule:
Under STOP: Explain why they should not reply to the bully.
Under BLOCK: Explain how to use the 'Block' or 'Report' button to stop messages coming in.
Under TELL: List 3 trusted adults they could talk to (e.g., Parent, Teacher, Sibling).
4
Design the Safety Badge
Use the Insert > Shapes tool to draw a badge or shield at the bottom of your page.
Inside the shield, add a text box with a short, catchy slogan.
Examples: "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully" or "Kindness is Cool".
Make it colourful and bold so it stands out!
Outcome
I have explained how cyberbullying affects feelings.
I have clearly explained the "Stop, Block, Tell" rules.
I have identified trusted adults to talk to.
I have designed a creative safety badge using shape tools.
Last modified: January 9th, 2026
