Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students explore the ‘bystander effect’ and the influence that group behaviour can have on individuals. They will explore the role of personal responsibility in responding to group situations and consider how bystanders could respond helpfully in violent scenarios. They will rewrite the ending to a story, showing how a bystander can change the course of events.
The STOP the Coward Punch education package aims to spread awareness about the devastating effects of the coward punch on our community. This education package was developed by a team of experts, including a youth worker, education specialist and specialist teachers and references the latest research and laws on coward punches.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand the power of a group on an individual
- Students consider how personal responsibility interacts with group behaviours
- Students understand why people do or do not step in to prevent violence in group situations
- Students understand the responsibilities, behaviours and opportunities available for bystanders in violent situations.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Years 9 & 10 Health and Physical Education:
- Propose, practise and evaluate responses in situations where external influences may impact on their ability to make healthy and safe choices (ACPPS092)
Syllabus outcomes: PDHPE5.2, PDHPE5.3, PDHPE5.6, PDHPE5.7, PDHPE5.8, PDHPE5.11, PDHPE5.12, PDHPE5.16
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Personal and Social Capability
Relevant parts of Years 9 & 10 achievement standards:
Students critically analyse contextual factors that influence identities, relationships, decisions and behaviours. They apply decision-making and problem-solving skills when taking action to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing.
Topic: Social Issues
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: HPE – Years 9 & 10.
Time required: 55 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Related professional development: Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Behaviours
Keywords: social groups, violence, bystanders, accepting responsibility, peer pressure, coward punch
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
