She’s actually grieving a grandparent who just passed away.
Jordan always gets top grades and loves reading. A few classmates start calling him 'robot' and say he must not have any friends.
Being smart doesn't mean someone can't be social or have friends. That's a harmful stereotype.
What do you think when someone says 'pink is just for girls'?
Colors are for everyone, not just certain people.
Why is it helpful to get to know people instead of relying on labels?
Because it takes too long.
Because labels are easy.
Because everyone is predictable.
Because people are more than first impressions.
Someone keeps pushing you to curse or talk dirty in a group chat.
Say, “I don’t need to say stuff like that to be funny.”
Max never turns in homework. People say he’s careless.
He doesn’t have internet at home and no one helps him with assignments.
Eli signs up for the school’s dance club and some boys in gym class start teasing him, saying it’s a 'girl thing.'
Dancing is for everyone, and teasing based on activity choice is a form of bullying.
Your friend group is making fun of a classmate’s social media. They want you to join in.
Say, “This isn’t cool—what if that was us?”
A friend wants to join a dance team but worries others will say it’s not “cool.” What advice could you give them?
Do what makes you happy. Real confidence comes from doing what you love, not what others expect.
Sasha doesn’t talk much in large groups, so others assume she’s rude or 'stuck up.'
Being quiet doesn't mean someone is unfriendly or snobbish; people show their personality in different ways.
Your friends want you to skip class just once to hang out behind the school—what can you say?
minute hangout.”
“I’m not risking detention for a 10
Nate is always joking around, but when he asks for time to cool down before a test, someone says, 'You? What’s wrong with you?'
Just because someone appears cheerful doesn’t mean they don’t experience stress or anxiety.
Tanner wears bright clothes and is always upbeat. When he runs for student council, someone says, 'No one will take you seriously.'
Leadership comes in all styles—how someone acts or dresses doesn't define their ability.
Leila brings store
Her family is trying to stretch their grocery money to cover rent.
brand snacks to school. Kids tease her for not having "cool food."
Zoe wears old shoes with holes. Others laugh behind her back.
Her family just escaped a difficult housing situation and can’t afford new ones yet.
Liam cries after losing his pet, and another student laughs, saying, 'Be a man.'
Crying is a normal emotion, and boys should be allowed to express feelings without judgment.
Someone says, “You’ll only be cool if you roast him in the group chat.”—what should you do?
“I don’t want to tear someone down just to fit in.”
What might happen if people believe stereotypes?
They feel more confident.
They miss out on understanding the real person.
They learn quickly.
They make more friends.
Caleb doesn’t make eye contact. Others call him rude.
He struggles with social communication and is trying his best to feel comfortable.
You’re in a group project and someone assumes you’ll do the writing because 'you’re the artsy one.' How do you respond?
Let them know everyone should help and roles should be based on skills, not labels.
Natalie never goes on field trips. People say she’s boring.
Her family can’t afford the fees and she doesn’t want anyone to know.
Why shouldn’t we say, 'you don’t look like someone who would do that'?
Because it’s a compliment.
Because it’s a joke.
Because it sounds polite.
Because it judges someone based on appearance instead of character.
Why is it important to challenge stereotypes?
To look smart.
To treat people with respect and fairness.
To stand out.
To make things complicated.
You’re dared to join in shoplifting during a group outing.—what can you say?
“That’s stealing. I’m not about to ruin my future for that.”
Someone says boys shouldn’t cry. What would you say to challenge that idea?
Everyone has feelings, and it’s healthy for anyone—boy or girl—to express emotions.
Jasmine wears the same hoodie every day. Kids whisper that she must be lazy or weird.
She wears it because it's the only warm clothing she owns during winter.
Someone says, “You’re too quiet to be a good leader.” What would be a positive response to that stereotype?
Quiet people can be amazing leaders—they listen, think deeply, and lead in their own way.
You hear, “Girls don’t like science,” in a group project. What can you say to stand up for others?
That’s not true—anyone can love science. Let’s work together and include everyone.
Why is it unfair to think someone is bad at math because they like art?
Because math is boring.
Because it’s mostly true.
Because interests don’t define skill.
Because artists don’t do math.
A student says, “You don’t act like someone who’s into video games,” because of how another student dresses. What’s wrong with that comment?
It assumes hobbies are tied to how someone looks, which isn’t true.
A new student joins your class and someone says, 'They don’t look like someone who would play basketball.' What could you say?
'That’s not fair—how someone looks doesn’t tell you their interests.'
Why is it wrong to say boys shouldn’t cry?
Because emotions are normal for everyone.
Because girls cry more.
Because crying is weak.
Because boys don’t have feelings.
Mateo never does group projects. Kids call him antisocial.
He’s trying to hide bruises and doesn’t want anyone to come over because it’s not safe at home.
Why is it unfair to assume someone is good at something just because of how they look?
Because everyone fits the mold.
Because it’s usually true.
Because you can guess based on appearance.
Because abilities don’t depend on appearance.
Why do people sometimes believe stereotypes even if they’re not true?
Because they researched it.
Because they’ve heard them so many times that they feel true.
Because of their personality.
Because their friends told them.
Your closest friend is pressuring you to unfollow someone online because “they’re annoying,” even though that person has never been mean to you.
Say, “They haven’t done anything to me—I’d rather make that choice on my own.”
A friend tells you they feel sad and want to do something risky or dangerous to “prove something.” They say, “If you’re really my friend, you’ll come with me.”
Say, “I care about you, and I want to help—but not by putting us in danger. Let’s talk to someone we trust.”
Why is it unfair to say 'boys are better at sports'?
Because everyone is different and can be good at anything.
Maya joins a group playing video games at lunch, but the boys say she probably doesn’t know how to play.
Assuming girls can’t play video games is a limiting and unfair stereotype.
Avery never raises their hand in class. Others say Avery must not know anything.
They’re actually scared to speak up because English isn't their first language.
Your friends tease you for choosing a different elective or club.
Say, “I picked what I enjoy—and I’m proud of it.”
Rosa plays drums in a rock band, but someone says, 'You don’t look like someone who would play music like that.'
You can’t judge someone’s interests or talent by how they look.
What kind of media should you look for to avoid stereotypes?
Books and shows with diverse characters and stories.
Ones that match your own life.
Ones that look exciting.
Ones with popular actors.
Someone says, “I thought you’d be louder since you’re in drama class.” How could you respond in a respectful way?
Just because someone is in drama doesn’t mean they act the same way all the time—everyone is different.
You’re invited to a party where you know things might get out of hand.
Say, “I’ll hang out another time when it’s more chill.”
What can you do if you hear a stereotype in class?
Speak up respectfully and ask for fairness.
Ignore it and walk away.
Repeat it quietly.
Laugh to fit in.
You notice people are shocked when a girl says she wants to be an engineer. Why might that reaction be a problem?
It assumes certain careers are only for certain genders, which limits people unfairly.
You overhear someone say, “Of course he’s smart, he’s in honors.” What’s a better way to think about intelligence?
Being in honors doesn’t mean someone is always the smartest. Everyone has strengths, and intelligence comes in many forms.
A group of friends makes fun of a student every day but says, “We’re just joking.” They ask you to back them up when a teacher questions it.
Say, “If it keeps happening and hurts someone, it’s not a joke—it’s bullying.”
A classmate offers you a vape and says, “Don’t be scared, it’s not a big deal.”—what can you say?
“It is a big deal to me—I’m good without it.”
How can a stereotype limit someone’s future?
By encouraging them to try harder.
By convincing them they can’t do something they’re actually good at.
By giving them confidence.
By helping them make decisions.
A new student speaks with an accent and someone says they might not be smart. What’s the stereotype, and how do you shut it down?
That’s judging someone unfairly. Having an accent doesn’t say anything about how smart someone is.
Dahlia doodles in her notebook during class. People say she’s not paying attention.
She has ADHD and drawing helps her stay focused.
A friend wants you to download an app your parents don’t allow.
Say, “I’m not getting grounded over an app.”
Your crush asks you to sneak them answers during a quiz—what should you do?
“I like you, but I won’t cheat for anyone.”
Your whole group of friends wants to post a “funny” video of someone without their permission.
Say, “That could embarrass them—let’s not post it without asking.”
Why is saying 'you throw like a girl' a harmful stereotype?
Because it uses gender as an insult and spreads unfair ideas.
Emerson likes dressing neatly and using formal language. A group teases him, calling him 'professor.'
Making fun of how someone talks or dresses reinforces negative stereotypes and discourages individuality.
Kai doesn’t join gym. Classmates joke that he’s just lazy.
He’s recovering from surgery and hasn’t told anyone because he’s embarrassed.
One kid always comes to school late. People laugh and say he just sleeps in.
But he’s late because he has to help get his little sister ready while his mom works two jobs.
Leo never brings a lunch. Other students say he’s forgetful or dumb.
The truth is his family can't afford to pack lunches and are waiting on food assistance.
How can media and books shape how we see different types of people?
They can repeat the same characters or roles, making us believe that’s all there is.
Sam never has a pencil or paper. People say he’s unprepared.
He’s embarrassed to ask for supplies because his family can’t afford extras.
Talia prefers to read or go for walks instead of hanging out with a group. They start saying, 'She thinks she’s too good for us.'
Choosing different activities doesn’t mean someo
Why can stereotypes hurt people?
Because they ignore who someone really is.
Because they help people feel seen.
Because people enjoy being labeled.
Because they’re always positive.
Why should we not judge someone by what they wear?
Because clothes don’t show who someone really is inside.
Is it okay to think someone can’t do something just because of how they look?
No, everyone should get a chance to show what they can do.
Ryan talks too much and interrupts. Others say he’s annoying.
He’s trying really hard to make friends because he feels invisible at home.
Nina is always reading alone. Kids say she’s a snob.
She has dyslexia and is working twice as hard to stay caught up without anyone knowing.
Someone pressures you to keep a secret that involves another student being bullied.
Say, “I care about you, but I need to help stop someone from getting hurt.”
Your friends want you to lie to your parents about where you're going after school.
Say, “If I have to lie, I probably shouldn’t be doing it.”
Elise wears hand
me
She actually treasures them because they belonged to her big sister who moved away.
down clothes. Kids say she’s stuck in the past.
Why is it unfair to say ‘boys don’t like to read’?
Because reading is about interest, not gender.
Your friend loves fashion, and another student calls that “girly.” How could you respond?
Everyone should be able to like what they like without being judged—fashion isn’t just for one gender.
What’s a stereotype?
A fact about everyone.
A compliment.
A belief about a group that may not be true for everyone.
Something nice to say.
Your group says, “Come on, just post the screenshot. Everyone’s doing it.”—what should you do?
“That’s not my business to share—let’s not get into drama.”
Evan gets angry and storms out of class. People say he’s trouble.
He’s actually dealing with panic attacks and doesn’t know how to ask for help.
Someone pressures you to wear something you're uncomfortable in to "fit in."
Say, “I’d rather wear something that feels like me.”
Why is it harmful to say someone ‘acts like a girl’ as an insult?
Because it’s not true.
Because girls need defending.
Because it sounds silly.
Because it turns a neutral identity into something negative.
Ben is always alone during lunch. People say he thinks he's too good for them.
He has social anxiety and is terrified of being rejected.
What can happen if someone feels like they must act a certain way to fit in?
They may hide who they really are or feel bad about themselves.
What might happen if people assume quiet kids are shy or unfriendly?
They might miss the chance to know someone kind and interesting.
A teammate wants you to fake an injury to win a game.
Say, “I want to win, but not by lying.”
You’re at a sleepover and they want to prank call another student.
Say, “That could really embarrass them—let’s play a game instead.”
Tina stays after school every day. People say she’s trying to get out of going home.
She stays because it’s the only place where she feels safe and supported.
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