Breaking the Code: A Bullying Prevention Simulation

Breaking the Code (BTC) is a research-based prevention simulation that highlights the existence and harmfulness of a hidden and unchallenged bullying social structure. It incorporates social issues such as shunning, intimidation, gossiping, lies, discrimination, threats, physical abuse, and making fun of others. The purpose of Breaking the Code is to impact the beliefs and attitudes middle and high school students have about bullying. It attempts to show how bullying allows a hidden code of conduct or a ‘pecking order’ of power to exist in a school’s social climate, and how a simple seemingly insignificant decision a bystander makes has the power to strengthen or weaken this code and structure. It encourages youth to take a stand against all behavior that treats others as inferior and change the social environment of their school and community.

BTC is designed to be used in a typical middle or high school classroom setting (of about 25 students) with a minimum of eleven active participants and the remainder of the classroom as spectators. However it can also be used in after school programs or other group settings. It is believed that the simulation will impact those who play classroom spectators as well as main characters. Although the simulation was developed for middle and high school youth, it can also effectively raise awareness among teachers and adults about bullying and their impact on it’s hierarchy.