Responses to Bullying

If your young person comes to you about being bullied, it is important to remember that there are many responses to this type of conflict. The following approaches can help in you and your young person discuss nonviolent resolutions to bullying activitiy.

What can you do?

if someone makes fun of you, teases you or calls you names?       

        Speak out loud and clear. Say how you feel. Tell the person teasing you you don’t like it. Look them in the eye and tell him or her to stop.

        Laugh It Off. Make a joke about the teasing and then quickly and calmly walk away. Sometimes the person bothering you is just waiting to see how upset he or she can make you. If you don’t get upset that person may stop.

        Your Friends Are Allies. Allies are buddies who stick up for you. There is strength in numbers. Together you and your friends can let the person doing the bullying know that none of you like what he or she is doing and that you want it to stop.

        Get An Adult. If you have tried all of the approaches, go tell a teacher, or parent right away.

What could you do

 if someone says they are going to hurt you?

        Walk Away. Walk away quickly, but calmly. Keep moving – don’t look back.

        Get Help. Tell a teacher, or parent right away.

If someone hurts you?

        Get Help. Go to an adult right away and tell them what happened. You have a right not to get hurt,

What should you do

if you feel lonely, left out and feel like you don’t have any friends?

        Try to make friends. You can do this by getting to know your classmates. Try taking a chance and join in with your classmates when they are playing or having a conversation.

        Ask for Help. Your parents, teachers or older brothers and sisters can help you learn how to make friends and keep them.