Innovation Lab . Story Studio
Turn Bystanders into Everyday Heroes
1 in 4 Primary School students and 1 in 5 secondary school students report being bullied.
Yet over 70% of the victims stay silent — often because they don’t know what to do safely.
But bullying is rarely just between two people.
There are always others watching.
And most of the time, they also stay silent.
They hesitate, they second-guess or they freeze.
Most people don't agree with bullying behaviour. They want to help but they just lack the confidence, language, and practical tools to step in.
Shine Squad builds the confidence, language and simple actions needed to step in safely.
How the Game Works
Learn by playing and practising in a safe space where small actions make a difference.
Step 1: Become a Shine Squad Hero
Each player takes on a role card with unique “superpowers” — like connecting people, calming tensions, or speaking up firmly. Together, they form the Shine Squad: a team working to create a kinder environment.
Step 2: Take Action Together
The game is fully cooperative — players win or lose as a team.
Each turn, players use action cards to respond to harmful behaviours and support those affected.
Step 3: Turn Bullies into Allies
Bullies don’t stay still. New negative behaviours continue to appear and escalate each round. The team must neutralise harmful actions and turn bullies into allies before their action cards run out.
Practice what it feels like to step in, because real moments don't come with instructions.
Why It Matters
Shine Squad helps young people:
• Recognise harmful behaviour early
• Build confidence to speak up
• Support others in simple, practical ways
• Act together instead of staying silent
Most importantly, it shifts the mindset from:
“I don’t want to get involved” to “We can do something.”
From the community ...
"I think having cards like this, where you have the script [that] guides the player [on] what they can say[...] I think that's really helpful because it gives the kids a script to say whenever they encounter situations like this."
— Jess, Psychologist
"I like it that you can actually convert a bully into someone that is good, and I think that helps everybody to understand that, there's a learning experience here for everybody."
— Xue Yun, Parent & Educator
"I think it is time to bring Shine Squad into the workplace! I want in on the version that deals with workplace bullying!!!!"
— Ann, Corporate Slave
"I had encountered situations where people were being mean to me. I was about to cry from the attacks.
But people around me spoke up.
One said, "Let's be kind." That's Protector.
Another one said with a smile, "Report him." That's Joker.
And someone hugged me and said, "We know what she is like." That's Diplomat.
They made all the difference to me. So let's all be Shine Squad and appreciate the Shine Squad in our lives today."
— Anonymous
Bring
Shine Squad to Life
From classrooms to living rooms — Shine Squad brings people together to Spot · Stop · Support.
Equip young people to act with courage, not stay silent.
Share the Love!
Run meaningful play sessions that
spark courage, kindness and real conversations.
Where Shine Squad shines:
Schools & educators
Youth groups & student leaders
