Change the story

In this activity you will draw or write a storyboard of an active bystander situtation. This exercise works best after seeing the knife crime animation.

What you will need

You will need...

Timing: 20mins

  • You will need to print off the comic strip template sheet, with enough for each participant
  • Coloured pens
  • Black pens

Instructions

Start by...

Revise what you have already learned about the role of an active bystander, such as going over the 5 D's:

  1. Direct
  2. Distract
  3. Delegate
  4. Document
  5. Delay

Middle bit...

Give out the comic strip template. Working in pairs or individually, either write up a story of a bystander situation or draw out a cartoon animation. The pairs or groups will make up their own bystander situation that shows what they would do. Here are some ideas to get everyone started:

  • A friend tells you they are worried about someone that wants to meet them for a fight and they plan to go, but take a knife.
  • You are sitting next to a group of people on the bus and you hear them talking about having knives in their school bags.
  • Your wee sister is being bullied by a gang of girls and hands you a knife asking you to go and scare them away with a knife so that they don't bother her any more.
  • You owe someone money and they say that if you don't have it all they will slash you. You've only managed to get some of the money together and you know that they will be there soon.

End by...

Sum up by acknowledging that the best policy is to avoid these situations as best you can. But if you find yourself in a tricky spot, there are always choices. Making the right choice really can save lives. It also keeps you on the right side of the law. More importantly it keeps you in control of your life.

You are welcome to watch the video from Manchester University about student's experiences of hate crime where they would have liked an active bystander to step in.

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