4. Responses
It’s fun and sparkly but can be a big mess.
It sticks to you and you can’t get it all off
even if try.
It easily travels with you even where you
didn’t intend.
It can put the spotlight on someone who
doesn’t want the attention.
5. RUMOR
A rumor is a piece of information or a
story that has not been verified,
meaning that the person telling it
doesn’t know if it’s true or false.
6. GOSSIP
Gossip occurs when a person
reveals unkind personal and/or
sensational information about
others that are private and people
don’t want others to know.
8. REAL OR MADEUP
Rumors and Gossip might be true,
they might be partially true, or
totally made up. Unless someone
can definitely say the story is true
- it will stay a rumor or gossip
story!
9. HOW DO RUMORS AND
GOSSIP SPREAD
From person to person, or can
spread from one person to a
bunch of people at once. This is
usually done behind the person’s
back. Social media is a big
source of rumor and gossip
10. RUMORS AND GOSSIP CAN
CHANGE
They can change slightly each
time they’re told, so they get even
more distorted or exaggerated
over time
11. WHY DO PEOPLE GOSSIP AND
SPREAD RUMORS?
To feel superior
To feel like part of a group
For attention
For control or power
Out of jealously/revenge
Out of boredom
THIS IS SOCIAL BULLYING
12. Why It Hurts, Why It’s Wrong
WORDS HURT as much or more than
a punch! (Verbal, Written, Social Media)
Gossip and rumors are a form of
exclusion - leaving someone out!
GOSSIP AND RUMORS DESTROY TRUST!
True or not, private is private!
13. BREAKING THE CHAIN
Decide whether the rumor or gossip is
hurtful or harmless by asking yourself
the following questions.
14. RUMOR/GOSSIP BLOCKS
• Make the rumor or gossip stop with you
• Don’t be part of the audience
• Be a peacemaker - speak up - label it a
rumor!
• Respect other’s privacy
• Get the facts
• Talk to a trusted adult
