Common places where bullying happens include: nearby certain lockers, in bathrooms, or around water fountains. To stop being bullied online, you can apply a similar principle of avoidance. If you receive bullying messages, turn off your device immediately. When you turn your device back on, block whoever is bullying you. [2] X Research source
You might want to consider having a friend walk with you to school. Or you can ask a friend to meet you at your classroom when the bell rings, so you won’t have to walk the halls by yourself.
You can act as if you didn’t hear the bullying comment at all. In this case, consider doing something else or turn to face another student to start a different conversation as if nothing had happened. Avoid trying to defend yourself if you’re experiencing verbal bullying. Even if you feel embarrassed and want to prove that they are wrong, a bullying encounter is not the best time to disprove them.
Walk away swiftly but with confidence–standing up straight with your chin up. [7] X Research source Try to get others to come with you. A simple, “let’s go” can signal to your friends that you’d like them to leave with you. If you are the frequently the target of bullying, develop a safety plan to help you remember the best escape route to take when things get tough. Write down the common places in which you experience bullying. then list the destination that you’ll walk to in order to escape the bullying.
People bully others in order to get a reaction out of them. It’s a way of controlling other people. So you can think of remaining calm as a victory over bullying. It shows that you cannot be controlled. [10] X Expert Source Cameron Gibson, R. C. C. Registered Clinical Counsellor & Program Director Expert Interview. 10 February 2021. If you need help staying calm, try counting to ten in your head or using deep-breathing techniques to remain calm.
Do not approach approach or get too close to the bully. You don’t want them to feel at all threatened or give them a reason to turn violent. You simply want to make sure they have your attention and that they sense that you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself.
If you are nervous, consider practicing different responses with friends or family members.
Use “I-statements” to focus on your feelings. Consider saying something like, “I feel really sad and hurt when you make fun of my clothes. ” Avoid labeling them a bully or telling them that they have done something wrong. You don’t want to say, “It’s really rude of you to insult my clothes. ” This approach can work well for a former friend or someone that you’re not afraid of talking to in more detail. You may want to bring someone else with you when approaching whoever has been bullying. Never approach someone who is bullying in private if you think things might get violent.
If someone insults you, you can try just laughing it off. For example, if someone insults your shoes, you might respond by saying, “Wow, I’m sorry you don’t like them. I wear them all the all time. ” In this case, you are responding to what they said but ignoring their negative intention. Never respond with insults and avoid sarcastic statements that could anger whoever’s bullying you. Try to keep your responses positive or neutral. If you’re experiencing bullying behavior regularly, you might want to try practicing your responses to their insults. But don’t feel pressure to respond to bullying. This approach doesn’t work for all situations, so remember that you always have the option to ignore bullying and walk away or to simply say, “stop” before walking away.
If a bully starts to get violent, say things like, “I don’t want to fight you. It won’t solve anything. ” Or simply say, “fighting isn’t my thing. ” Making your intention to avoid fighting known to everyone who’s around.
Make sure each description includes who was there, when it happened, what was said and done, and how everyone responded. You may also want to write down why you think you were the target of bullying–especially if you believe you were targeted because of your race, religion, or sexual orientation.
It’s not recommended that parents deal directly with whoever’s bullying you or with their parents. When parents intervene in this way, it often makes the situation worse. Family members should support you in two ways–by providing you with advice on how to handle encounters and by calling the school to talk to an administrator such as the principal or school counselor. If you do not have an adult in your life that you trust, go immediately to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.
You may want to start by talking to the teacher that you trust most. A good time to approach a teacher is before or after class. If other students are around, ask to schedule a time to meet with your teacher one-on-one. Say something like, “I’d like to speak with you about something serious. Can we schedule a time to meet?” If bullying is occuring in a classroom, you should talk to the teacher of that class. If bullying is happening at a particular location–such as by your locker–you may also consider involving a teacher who’s classroom is by that location.
If you are afraid for your physical safety or are feeling suicidal, this is a serious matter that needs immediate attention. Approach your school guidance counselor, nurse, or other administrator and say, “I need your help with something serious. Can we talk?”
Consider leading a campaign at school. Many schools have campaigns to fight bullying or are open to new ones. Talk to your guidance counselor or principal about getting involved.
If you’re being bullied in the US, contact 988 by phone/text or visit https://www. stopbullying. gov/. If you live in the UK, contact 0808-800-222 or http://www. bullying. co. uk. In Australia, contact 1-800-55-1800 or http://www. kidshelp. com. au. In Canada, contact 800-668-6868 or http://www. kidshelpphone. ca. If you are an LGBT youth, contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.
If you are in immediate danger, call for emergency help. If you’re not in immediate danger, call your local police station non-urgent number. Tell them briefly what has been happening and ask what information they will need and if you can meet with an officer to file a report. You learn more about your particular state’s laws and policies at https://www. stopbullying. gov/resources/laws. If you’re a victim of discriminatory bullying, contact groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which can offer help.
Organizations such as PACER. org are also dedicated to connecting individuals who have been bullied. Even if you don’t feel comfortable getting involved in an organization, browse through their online materials. It will hopefully help you to feel more connected to others who have been in a similar situation.
Write your positive qualities on post-it notes and stick them around your room. Look in the mirror and compliment yourself. We tend to overemphasize our flaws rather than our positive features, so counteract this by focusing on the positive! Avoid negative self-talk. If thoughts like, “I am worthless” or “nobody likes me” come to mind, talk back to each negative thoughts with a positive and more realistic assessment: “No, that isn’t true. I am worthy. People do like me. Just because I’m being bullied doesn’t mean I am not a good person that deserves to be liked. ” Hold your head high, stand with good posture, and smile.
Treat yourself to your favorite breakfast before school. Schedule an hour or so when you get home from school to do something relaxing–like playing a video game or painting–to take your mind off of bullying. Plan a spa day or go on a hike over the weekend.
For example, some appearance issues–such as acne–can be addressed. Bad acne can often be removed by skincare products, so it’s a good idea to Google some products or talk to doctor. Unfortunately, overweight teens are more likely to be bullied and to bully others. [24] Exercise and a healthy, normal-calorie diet (1,700 – 2000 calories a day for a teen) can usually do a world of good. If you don’t meet your goals right away, stay motivated. Tell yourself that an obstacle or setback is just another opportunity to learn and grow.
Your parents will need to sign paperwork for you to have therapy. Speak to your parents or guardians about your interest in therapy. If you are considering harming yourself because of bullying or anything else, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
