GRADE 8 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – BULLYING Notes
CRE — Christian Living Today
Subtopic: Bullying (for 13‑year‑olds in Kenya)
What is bullying?
Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or leaves out another person on purpose. It can be physical, verbal, social (leaving someone out), or online (cyberbullying).
Types of bullying
- Physical: hitting, pushing, damaging personal things.
- Verbal: name-calling, teasing, threats.
- Social / Relational: spreading rumours, excluding someone from groups.
- Cyberbullying: mean messages, sharing private photos, excluding online (WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok).
Why do some people bully?
- They want power or attention.
- They copy adults or others who are rude.
- They have problems at home and act out.
- Peer pressure — trying to look “tough” in front of friends.
How bullying affects people
- Victim: sadness, fear, poor school performance, avoiding school, low self‑esteem.
- Bully: may get into trouble, miss chances to build true friendships, feel guilty later.
- Bystanders: feel unsafe or guilty if they do nothing; can help stop bullying.
Remember (Kiswahili): "Tulia na tenda wema" — Be calm, act kindly. Christians are taught to love others (Mark 12:31) and not hurt them.
What does the Bible teach us?
- Love your neighbour: Mark 12:31 — treat others well.
- Treat others how you want to be treated: Luke 6:31.
- Comfort the hurting: Psalm 34:18 — God is near to the broken‑hearted.
- Do not repay evil: Romans 12:17–21 — seek justice without revenge.
Christian responses to bullying
- Tell someone you trust: a parent, teacher, school counsellor, chaplain or a CU/SU leader.
- Stand up safely: support the person being bullied — “Are you okay?” or walk away together.
- Pray: ask God for courage and wisdom. (Short prayer provided below.)
- Forgive, but protect: forgiving doesn’t mean allowing harm; set boundaries and report the behaviour.
- Seek help for the bully: bullies often need counselling and guidance too.
If you are being bullied — quick steps
- Stay calm and safe; move away if needed.
- Tell a trusted adult right away (mama, dad, mwalimu, chaplain).
- Save evidence for cyberbullying (screenshots, messages).
- Use school support: guidance and counselling, principal or prefects.
- If in immediate danger, get help from a teacher or call emergency services.
For bystanders
- Don’t laugh or join in.
- Tell a teacher or report anonymously.
- Support the victim — walk with them or invite them to join you.
Roles — Home, School, Church
- Parents/Guardians: teach respect, watch for changes in behaviour, talk with teachers.
- Schools: clear anti‑bullying rules, counselling, protect victims, teach values in CRE class.
- Church & Youth Groups: offer care, mentorship (CU, SU), Bible teaching about love and respect.
Activities for class or youth group
- Role play: practice how to safely stop bullying and how to tell an adult.
- Create an anti‑bullying pledge poster in your class; sign it as a group.
- Write a short prayer or poem about respect and read it at assembly or CU meeting.
- Discuss scenarios: “What would you do if…?” and make a class rule list.
Memory verse: "Love your neighbour as yourself." — Mark 12:31
Short class quiz (answer in one sentence)
- Define bullying in your own words.
- Name two types of bullying and give an example for each.
- What should you do if you see someone being bullied?
- Mention one Bible verse that helps Christians react to bullying.
- How can your class make the school safer?
Short prayer:
Dear God, give us courage to be kind and protect those who are hurt. Help bullies change and help victims find safety and peace. Amen. 🙏
Note for teachers: Use local examples (classroom, boarding houses, WhatsApp groups). Encourage reporting, involve parents, and link with guidance and counselling services or the school chaplain/Christian Union leaders.