If you’re teasing someone, make sure that they are smiling or laughing.
Influence teasing can help to change someone’s behavior without being critical. Instead, it helps to make light of the situation.
If you’re teasing someone, be ready for them to tease you back!
The tone of the conversation shouldn’t escalate or become tense following teasing.
If you tease someone and mean for it to be funny yet they seem upset, apologize immediately. Say that you did not mean to hurt their feelings. Say, “I’m really sorry. I didn’t know that would hurt you. I won’t do it again. ” If you’re a parent and overhear hurtful teasing, say, “It’s not nice to talk like that. ”
A simple, “I don’t find that funny” can stop teasing fairly quickly. As a parent, you can say, “We don’t talk like that. Please stop. ”
These actions may occur in person, through social media, texts, or phone calls. If you’re a parent, your child’s mood may change or they may start acting out. Ask them how things are going and if they’re having any problems with peers.
Unlike teasing, there is nothing affectionate or playful about a bully’s words or actions.
For example, someone with money might make fun of someone who is poor. This is not playful and is done to show a power or status difference.
A bully may point out something that makes the person different. For example, a bully may say something about a disability, stutter, or difficulty with a school subject.
With teasing, a person will often stop if asked. A bully, however, may continue the bullying well after someone has told them to stop.
Ask the adult for help in what to do. If a child comes to you for help, think about possible solutions. If the bullying is happening at school, for example, tell the teacher or principal. Offer support and say, “I’m sorry this is happening to you. Nobody should be treating you this way. ”
When you stand up for yourself, you reclaim some power against the bully. If you are a parent, carefully consider getting involved. It can turn into a “he-said/she-said” interaction with the two children. However, you might say to another parent, “Our children are not getting along. What do you think we can do?”
You may go to a counselor at school or see a therapist at a clinic. You may build skills around confidence, self-esteem, and assertiveness. Be aware that if your child or someone you know is feeling distress due to being bullied, then it is important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. Bullying, no matter how insignificant it might seem, can have lasting consequences for mental health. [15] X Research source
