Rumor Has it
What makes a rumor different from a fact?
Rumors are unverified information; facts are confirmed and can be reliable.
Is sharing information about someone who isn't present always gossip? Explain.
No; intent, truth, and harm matter.
What key element must be present for behavior to be considered bullying?
Examples: Repetition, intent to harm, or power imbalance.
What is one risk of staying silent when witnessing bullying?
It can make the bully feel supported and the target feel alone.
Why is deleting a post not always enough to undo harm?
Screenshots, shares, and backups may still exist.
Why can repeating a rumor still be harmful even if it turns out to be true?
It spreads private information and can still damage trust and reputations.
What detail turns a normal conversation into gossip?
Sharing unverified or unnecessary personal information or details.
How does social bullying differ from verbal bullying?
Social bullying damages relationships; verbal uses words directly.
Name one way to safely support someone who's being bullied.
Examples: Comfort the target, get an adult, stand with them, distract the situation.
How do group chats increase the impact of gossip or bullying?
They spread content quickly to many people at once.
Identify one long-term consequence of spreading rumors.
Loss of trust, damaged reputation, social isolation, or emotional harm.
Why does add "don't tell anyone" often signal gossip?
It signals secrecy and spreading information without consent.
Why can bullying still exist without physical contact?
Emotional and psychological harm don't require physical contact.
Why is telling an adult different from "snitching"?
Telling an adult helps someone stay safe; "snitching" is trying to get someone in trouble.
What responsibility do bystanders have in online spaces?
To not like, share, or ignore harmful behavior.
Why is "I was just joking" not a valid excuse for spreading rumors?
Intent doesn't erase the impact; harm can still occur in the situation.
Give an example of gossip that starts as concern but becomes harmful.
"I heard she cheated on the test", etc... something that you may not know is true but say it anyway that leads to rumors about the capabilities of that certain person.
Explain how power imbalance plays a role in bullying.
Bullies often have social, physical, or digital power over the target.
True or False: Standing with a target of bullying can stop the bully.
True! Even though it can be hard to stand up, having support can reduce bullying.
Explain how anonymity can change people's behavior online.
People feel less accountable and more aggressive.
Explain how rumors can change how a group treats a person over time.
It can lead to exclusion, labeling, and long-term social consequences.
Explain the difference between gossip and reporting a safety concern.
Safety reporting aims to protect from something to happen; gossip spreads judgment or rumors.
Explain in a situation where teasing crosses the line into bullying.
When teasing becomes repeated, unwanted, or hurtful.
Design a safe upstander response for an online bullying situation.
Report, support the target, document evidence, and avoid retaliation.
Evaluate the consequences of reposting harmful content "as a joke".