Teach children a lesson about the Holocaust. The persecution of the Jews did not happen overnight. When Adolf Hitler took over in Germany in 1933, there was a gradual progression that started with propaganda and the curtailment of rights. This intensified into persecution and then mass killing. Compare teasing to the beginning laws and propaganda perpetuated by the Nazis. Illustrate to children that hatred and intolerance such as teasing do not physically hurt anyone, but it can lead to worse behavior and even violence if it does not stop.
Instruct children who are teased to reply with humor. Most often when teasing turns to harassment is when a child reacts strongly to being teased. Some children are cruel and, when they see their remark or gesture hit a nerve, they continue to lay it on. Virtual Teaching Aid states that "laughing can often turn a hurtful situation into a funny one." People respect someone who can laugh at himself. When a child reacts this way, the teasing often stops. Another sound strategy is to teach children to make fun of themselves before someone else does if there is something they are self-conscious about.
Teach children about the dangers of virtual teasing. The Internet is the new playground for young adults. Without the fear of face-to-face interaction, many feel emboldened to do and act in unsuitable fashion. High-profile suicides and bullying on Facebook are frequently in the news. The problem is such an issue that in April 2011 Facebook published a tutorial for parents on what to do if their children are teased. First, students need to know that what they do on the Internet reflects who they are, just like their personal behavior. Teach how some people have been fired from jobs for what they have done on the Internet.
Use puppets in front of the classroom and have the children role play bullying situations. Good Character suggests this idea because children love puppets and this fun activity will keep them engaged. Begin with a situation where teasing led to bullying, write a dialogue and then have two students read the scenario. Discuss with the students afterward if it was appropriate behavior, and discuss how the situation should have been handled. Then have the students work in pairs and make their own puppets and dialogue, which they will present to the class. Discuss with the whole class after each performance.