The Big Debate: Anti-Bullying
Empowering Students to Speak Up, Listen, and Make a Difference!
Bigfoot’s The Big Anti-Bullying Debate is a thought-provoking, high-energy workshop designed for KS3 and KS4 students, encouraging them to explore the fine line between banter and bullying through discussion, critical thinking, and live debate. This 50-minute session helps young people develop the skills to communicate with empathy, recognise harmful behaviours, and understand the importance of respect both online and offline.
Through guided debate, real-life examples and interactive questioning, students are invited to challenge their perceptions of what constitutes bullying. The session begins with an introduction to debating, helping students understand how to listen, respond, and distinguish between opinion, experience and fact. Participants then confront the Big Question: Does ‘banter’ lead to bullying?
As the workshop unfolds, students unpack what these terms truly mean. They explore where the invisible line lies, when playful teasing becomes hurtful, when words cross from fun to offensive, and how intent, repetition, or audience can change everything. By examining scenarios, hearing real experiences, and analysing evidence from organisations such as the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Cybersmile, students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions and the responsibility each person carries in shaping a safe, inclusive environment.
The debate also introduces students to the complexities of online behaviour, highlighting how social media can amplify harm and blur the line between joking and bullying. Through discussion, role-play, and evidence-based reasoning, they are encouraged to reflect on their own behaviour and to recognise the power of empathy, understanding and kindness in preventing bullying.
As the final debate begins, students apply everything they have learned to real scenarios, testing their ability to argue respectfully, present evidence, and challenge assumptions. They are guided to consider both sides: whether teasing can ever be harmless and when it becomes damaging.
By the end of The Big Anti-Bullying Debate, students have not only strengthened their communication and critical thinking skills but have also deepened their understanding of respect, tolerance, and the importance of standing up for one another. The session reinforces that while banter can bring people together, it can just as easily divide, and that knowing the difference is the first step in building a kinder, more inclusive school community.
Debating workshop sessions are 50 minutes long and can take place in a classroom or hall with up to 35 pupils in each session.
