Are We Born to Bully? Curriculum

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A Curriculum for Understanding How the Brain Creates Conflict

Why do conflicts seem to happen so naturally? Why do people so often divide into “us vs. them” thinking? This downloadable curriculum helps young people uncover the surprising role the brain plays in creating conflict—often without us even realizing it. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students will learn how instinctive survival mechanisms drive aggression and division and, most importantly, how to break free from these ingrained patterns.

Why This Curriculum Matters

War and conflict often feel inevitable, but much of it stems from outdated survival instincts in the brain. These automatic responses, meant to protect us, can instead lead to unnecessary aggression and division. By understanding how the brain creates conflict, students gain the awareness and skills needed to interrupt these patterns and create a more peaceful world.

What Students Will Learn

• How the Brain Triggers Conflict – Explore how the “old brain” is wired for survival and why it often sparks aggression and division.
• Recognizing Faulty Thought Patterns – Learn how automatic reactions can keep fueling conflict without us realizing it.
• The Early Roots of Conflict – Discover how biases and social divisions form as early as infancy and shape how we see and treat others.
• How to Overcome Instinctive Conflict Responses – Develop strategies to recognize and disrupt these patterns for healthier relationships and peaceful problem-solving.

Engaging & Interactive Learning

• Real-Life Scenarios & Case Studies – Learn from research, including studies from the University of British Columbia on how social biases start in infancy.
• Interactive Activities & Group Discussions – Experience firsthand how the brain reacts to perceived threats and how to consciously choose a different response.
• Role-Playing & Self-Reflection – Practice recognizing and shifting thoughts that lead to conflict.

A Valuable Resource for Educators, Parents & Counselors

Perfect for classrooms, workshops, and group discussions, this curriculum provides structured, age-appropriate lessons that encourage thoughtful conversations and lasting learning.

• Age-Appropriate & Easy to Understand – Uses relatable language and interactive exercises to explain complex concepts about the brain and conflict.
• Downloadable & Flexible – Available as a PDF for use in classrooms, at home, or in community programs.
• Science-Based Learning – Draws from cognitive development research to help students understand the roots of conflict.

Empower Students to Break the Cycle of Conflict

By understanding how their brains are wired for conflict, students gain the ability to challenge automatic reactions and make conscious choices that promote peace and cooperation.