What Kind of Mean?
A kid says something hurtful without thinking. What kind is it?
🧩 Clumsy Mean
Someone says something mean by accident. What should you do?
Ignore or clarify
Snapping because of big feelings—is it OK or not?
🟠 Not OK, needs calming
Being mean once vs repeatedly
Ongoing bullying
A one-time mean comment vs repeated mean behavior.
Different (pattern matters)
A kid snaps after feeling embarrassed. What kind is it?
🔥 Reactive Mean
Someone is copying others being mean. What should you do?
Don’t join, step aside
Teasing that everyone enjoys—is it OK or not?
🟡Sometimes OK
Saying something mean by accident vs saying it to hurt someone. Which is worse?
Saying it to hurt someone
Saying something mean by accident vs on purpose.
Different (intent matters)
A kid makes fun of someone in front of others to look powerful. What kind is it?
🏆 Power Mean
Someone is trying to put you down in front of others. What should you do?
Assert or disengage
Repeated bullying or intimidation—is it OK or not?
🚨Not OK, unsafe
A joke that goes too far vs making fun of someone publicly.
Publicly making fun (power mean)
Teasing that is fun for everyone vs teasing that hurts one person.
Different (impact matters)
A kid makes a joke that hurts someone, but others laugh. What kind is it?
🎭 Play Mean
Someone keeps being mean or threatening. What should you do?
Get help / tell an adult
Making fun of someone to look cool—is it OK or not?
🔴Not OK
Snapping once when upset vs repeated teasing that hurts
Repeated teasing
Copying others being mean vs being mean alone.
Depends (intent + pressure)
A kid joins others in teasing to fit in. What kind is it?
🐑 Copycat Mean
Someone is mean because they’re upset. What should you do?
Pause, give space
Saying something mean by accident—is it OK or not?
🟢Not OK, but a mistake
Copying others being mean vs starting it to gain power.
Power mean
Snapping when upset vs planned mean behavior.
Different (reactive vs intentional)