WORKSHEET ONE

Treating others with respect

FIRST ACTIVITY
Have the group brainstorm what they think it means to treat other people with respect.
Write the answers on the whiteboard, if it helps use this list on the respect worksheet as a
guide.

List of ideas for treating others with respect

Dont insult people or make fun of them
Listen to other people when they speak
Respect other peoples opinions
Remember people like and dislike different things
Do not tease people or mock them
Do not talk about people behind their backs
Be aware and sensitive to other peoples feelings
Do not ever pressure somebody into doing something they dont want to do
Treat others how you would like them to treat you.

Remember we live in a diverse country which is made up of many different

cultures, language, races and backgrounds. Here are a few more suggestons for
the list above to help us understand these different cultures.
Try to learn something from other people
Never stereotype people
Show interest and appreciation for other peoples cultures and backgrounds
Dont go along with prejudices and racist attitudes.

Treating
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WORKSHEET TWO

Treating others with respect

SECOND ACTIVITY
(variable length of time, discussion and interactive based)

Use either some of or all of questions from the worksheet to promote discussion with the
group. Remind the group of their working agreement.
(Optional) You may wish to split the group into smaller groups and have them produce a small role play around a given
question.

Questions, responses and discussion points: 1. It is never ok to insult or make fun of somebody, even behind their back; often this sort of thing leads to somebody being
bullied. When gossiping, for example, the comments often get blown out of proportion and distorted leading to ridicule,
misunderstanding and bullying.
2. Common put-downs may include commenting on somebodys clothing, e.g. cheaper or different non-name brands etc,
and their choice of music or even friends.
3. Common insults change frequently but one which many people find offensive is dont be so gay! or stop being gay!
There are other insults which may refer to somebodys skin colour or ethnic background - again these are not acceptable.
4. Yes, it is possible to be respectful to somebody even if you do not like them. Being respectful to someone is different to
having respect for them.
5. When we are with groups of friends or with someone who is a popular person at school it generally feels good. But what
happens if they want to do or say something that you think is wrong? How could we deal with this situation?
6. Prejudice and discrimination unfortunately is still very common and can have an effect on everybody. Picking on people
because they are different is unacceptable and may be illegal. People who discriminate or use inappropriate language
and behaviour towards women,people of a difference race, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people, disabled people,
people who have a different religion can find themselves with a criminal record, sued for money, dismissed from their job
or expelled from University.
7. Often many young people experience some sort of prejudice or discrimination. It could be the stereo-typical attitudes of
older people such as being labelled as typical teenagers.
8. Often there is much peer pressure around social groups (friendships) and
who it is cool to be seen with, eg. skaters dont mix with Goths etc. This
has a massive effect on social interaction and as a result friendships from
primary schools can change due to contact with new social circles.
9. People can be afraid of change and difference for many different reasons.
Why do parents and carers sometimes worry when young people change
their friendship groups?
10. The benefits are that by having friends who are different to us we learn
about different topics, cultures, beliefs and gain a better understanding of
other people. We learn how to behave appropriately within these different
circles of friends and hopefully are able to inform others that just because
somebody is different it doesnt mean they dont deserve respect.
11. What have they learnt and can they give an example? What would
students like to learn from different cultures? How would they like to
achieve this?
12. Sometimes young people may say things to impress others which are not
true. It may be because there is something going on in their home life that
they do not wish to share. eg. they could be a young carer of a parent or

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be unhappy at home for some reason, or it could be just they are saying things to try and impress others. It is not always
possible to know somebody really well at first; true friendships take time and work to build up.
13. If a classmate was being bullied or had a problem would you help them and how?
14. Everybody is different and entitled to be treated with respect. It doesnt matter what race they are, from what cultural
background they come, or if they like one type of music etc. Even if they prefer something you may not like they are still
entitled to be treated with respect because it would be a very boring world if we were all the same.

WORKSHEET THREE

Treating others with respect

THIRD ACTIVITY
Question Sheet
1. Is it ok to insult or make fun of somebody as long as they dont hear it?
2. What are some of the common things students do at school that are disrespectful to others?
Which do you dislike the most?
How does it make you feel?
What ideas do you have to tackle disrespectful behaviour?
3. Are there a lot of comments, insults or put-downs used at school?
Are these a sign of disrespect?
Are put-downs different from insults?
4. Do you have to like a person to be respectful to them?
5. When you are with a group of your friends, do you always agree with what they say and do?
Do you ever say things you normally wouldnt just to impress your friends?
How do you manage the pressure from friends?
6. Do you think there is racism within this school?
How is it expressed?
How does it make you feel?
How could the school tackle racism?
7. Have you ever personally experienced racism or some other type of prejudice?
How did it make you feel?
How could you make it stop?
8. Do students in your school tend to stay within their own social group/
racial and ethnic groups, or do they mix?
Some people say they feel pressure to stay with their own kind
rather than mixing, do you find this to be true?
9. Do you think people are sometimes afraid of differences?
Can you give any examples?
Why do you think thats true?
10. What are the benefits of having friends who are different from you?
11. Have you ever learnt anything about a new culture from a friend?
12. How well do young people really know each other?
What things may stand in the way of getting to know people better?
13. What responsibilities do you feel towards your classmates?
14. Do you think everybody is entitled to be treated with respect?

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Teacher notes/guidelines: Inappropriate behaviour can take many forms; a lot of complaints tend to be from the girls
saying that boys often bump into them. They also say that boys will make comments about their developing bodies which
can be hurtful and embarrassing, or cause issues concerning self esteem and body image. The girls might also make similar
comments to the boys. Informing them that this sort of behaviour is totally inappropriate often works if it is coupled with the
information that anybody who suffers this sort of behaviour should inform a member of staff.
It is possible to adapt this workshop so students can raise points or questions they may feel are relevant and this is often
done best in a follow up session such as tutor group.
Notes: Some of the views expressed by the students may be those carried over from their home life and may reflect the
views of family members and not themselves. It is possible to overcome this by stressing that you would like the students
to think for themselves and not to simply air the views of others.
You may encounter a student whos views are so influenced by those of family members that it is difficult to challenge them,
challenge is often best achieved by the other students and they will quite often challenge any offensive view point.
Assessment: You should be able to assess the students by continual monitoring of their answers given during the
workshop enabling you to gauge their understanding of the topic. This also provides a chance for you to correct or
challenge any incorrect information.
Method of and closing the session: Give simple reassurance that if anybody encounters any form of inappropriate
behaviour then they should inform a member of staff. Make sure that students are aware of the schools procedures for
reporting bullying and inappropriate behaviours.

Useful Hints
This workshop is a very good platform from which to introduce bullying and peer pressure workshops. It is best carried out
in a relaxed atmosphere if possible with the students seated in a half circle.

Treating
others with
respect