Workplace harassment activities for students

Teachers & homeschoolers · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is a role-play activity to help students recognize workplace harassment?

Role-plays are effective for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) and take about 30-45 minutes. Materials needed include printed scenarios describing different types of workplace harassment, such as verbal, physical, and digital harassment. Teachers or parents read a scenario aloud, then students act out both the harasser’s behavior and the appropriate response, such as calmly asserting boundaries or seeking help.

Steps:

1. Select or write 3-5 brief harassment scenarios relevant to workplace settings.
2. Divide students into small groups and assign roles.
3. Have each group act out the scenario and demonstrate how to respond assertively.
4. After each role-play, lead a discussion on what behaviors were harassment and why the response was effective or could improve.

Skill built: Recognizing harassment and practicing confident, respectful responses. Debrief: Ask students how the role-play made them feel, what was challenging, and what they learned about standing up to harassment. Adaptation: For homeschooling, do the role-plays with family members or friends via video call or in person, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

How can scenario analysis build students’ understanding of workplace harassment?

Scenario analysis suits upper middle school and high school students (grades 7-12), requiring 40-60 minutes. Use printed or digital case studies illustrating common workplace harassment situations. Students analyze each case to identify harassment types, affected parties, and possible legal and personal consequences.

Steps:

1. Present 3-4 workplace harassment scenarios, covering sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
2. Have students work individually or in small groups to answer questions like “What happened?”, “Was it harassment?”, and “What should the person do next?”
3. Discuss answers as a class or family, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and reporting harassment.

Skill built: Critical thinking and legal literacy about harassment definitions and rights. Debrief: Highlight how different actions can prevent or worsen harassment and stress the importance of knowing one’s rights. Adaptation: At home, parents can read scenarios aloud and guide children through the questions, encouraging open conversation.

What group projects can foster teamwork and awareness about harassment?

A project where students create an awareness campaign suits middle and high schoolers (grades 6-12) and takes multiple sessions, about 2-3 hours total. Materials include poster boards, markers, digital design tools, or video recording devices.

Steps:

1. Assign small groups to research workplace harassment basics and laws.
2. Each group creates posters, pamphlets, or digital presentations to educate peers about harassment types, rights, and reporting steps.
3. Groups present their campaigns to the class or family.

Skill built: Research, teamwork, communication, and advocacy. Debrief: Discuss how awareness can prevent harassment and how students can be allies. Adaptation: Home learners can create digital projects or share their campaigns with family or community groups.

How does a “What Would You Do?” discussion help younger students?

For elementary and early middle school students (grades 4-7), a 20-30 minute guided discussion can introduce workplace respect concepts. This requires no materials, just prepared hypothetical situations appropriate for their age.

Steps:

1. Present simple situations, such as a coworker saying mean things or excluding someone.
2. Ask, “What would you do if you saw this happen at work?”
3. Encourage students to think of respectful and safe responses.

Skill built: Empathy, ethical decision-making, and basic understanding of workplace boundaries. Debrief: Reinforce kindness and respect as essential workplace values. Adaptation: At home, parents can use daily life examples to relate to the topic and encourage sharing feelings.

How can students practice reporting harassment through writing activities?

Writing exercises work well with middle and high school students (grades 7-12), taking about 30-40 minutes. Materials needed include writing supplies or digital devices.

Steps:

1. Explain the importance of documenting incidents and how to report harassment.
2. Provide a template or example of a harassment report or complaint letter.
3. Have students write their own sample report based on a hypothetical incident.

Skill built: Effective communication, documentation skills, and confidence in reporting harassment. Debrief: Discuss how clear, factual reports help employers address harassment and protect workers. Adaptation: At home, parents can review the writing with their child and practice respectful reporting language.

What interactive quizzes or games can reinforce knowledge on workplace harassment?

Interactive quizzes or digital games suit all school-age children but work best with grades 6-12. These activities can take 15-30 minutes and require internet access or printable quiz sheets.

Steps:

1. Prepare or find quizzes on harassment definitions, examples, and rights.
2. Students complete quizzes individually or in teams.
3. Review answers together to clarify misunderstandings.

Skill built: Reinforcement of legal literacy and harassment awareness in a fun format. Debrief: Encourage students to ask questions about any confusing terms or concepts. Adaptation: Parents can create their own quizzes or use online resources, discussing answers afterward.

How can journaling help students reflect on workplace respect and harassment?

Journaling fits middle and high school students (grades 7-12) and requires 15-20 minutes per session. Materials needed are notebooks or digital journaling apps.

Steps:

1. Prompt students with questions like “What does respect at work look like?” or “How would you feel if you or a friend were treated unfairly at work?”
2. Encourage honest reflection and personal connection to the topic.
3. Optionally, have students share insights in a group discussion.

Skill built: Self-awareness, empathy, and ethical thinking. Debrief: Highlight the importance of reflecting on one’s attitudes toward others and the workplace environment. Adaptation: Journaling can be private or shared with parents or teachers to foster open dialogue.

How can educators or parents adapt these activities for different learning environments?

Adapting for classrooms means managing group dynamics and including diverse student voices, while at-home instruction can be more flexible and personalized. Group activities like role-plays and projects work well in classrooms, while discussions and journaling are easily done at home. Using virtual meetings or family members as participants can substitute for classroom peers at home.

Tips for adaptation:

• Adjust language complexity for age and maturity.
• Use available materials creatively (e.g., digital tools instead of physical supplies).
• Encourage questions and provide safe spaces for sharing.
• Incorporate relevant state or local laws on workplace harassment for context, referencing resources like the EEOC or USA.gov.

These activities build foundational knowledge on workplace harassment, empowering students to recognize, respond to, and report inappropriate behaviors respectfully and legally.

Frequently asked questions

What age is best to start teaching about workplace harassment?

Introducing basic ideas of respect and fairness can start as early as late elementary school, around grades 4-5. More detailed legal concepts and rights are better suited for middle and high school students who can understand workplace dynamics.

How can homeschooling parents explain complex harassment laws?

Parents can simplify laws by focusing on respectful behavior and the idea that harassment is unwanted and harmful. Using age-appropriate scenarios and discussing real-life examples helps make the topic relatable and understandable.

Are there resources for students with disabilities on workplace harassment?

Yes, specialized activities and materials are available to ensure students with disabilities understand harassment and their rights, accommodating different learning needs. See resources like [Workplace harassment for students with disabilities](#r2).

How can teachers handle disclosures of harassment during these activities?

Teachers should have a clear protocol for reporting and supporting students who disclose harassment. This includes listening carefully, maintaining confidentiality, and contacting appropriate school counselors or authorities.

Can these activities be integrated into other subjects?

Absolutely. Workplace harassment topics fit well in social studies, health education, civics, or legal literacy classes, providing practical context for broader lessons on rights and responsibilities.