Bullying is a big problem. It can make children and even adults feel resentful, scared, sick, lonely, embarrassed and sad. Bullies may hit, kick or push to hurt people or use words to call names, tease or scare them. The bully may say something bad about someone, grab the child's things, make fun of someone or leave the child out of the group on purpose. Some bullies threaten people or try to get them to do things they don't want to do.
Bullying can make children not want to play outside or go to school. Bullying can make school a place of fear and can lead to violence and more stress for everyone.
Why do bullies behave like this? Some bullies seek attention. They may think that bullying is a way to be popular or to get what they want. Most bullies try to make themselves feel more important, more powerful. Some bullies come from families where everyone gets angry and screams all the time. They may think that getting angry, calling names and putting pressure on people is a normal way to act. Some of them were intimidated themselves.
Sometimes bullies know what they are doing or saying is hurting other people. But other bullies may not actually know how harmful their actions can be.
But bullying can be dealt with:
▪️Don't give the bully a chance. As far as you can avoid the bully. Of course, you can't hide or skip classes. But if you can take another route, do so.
▪️Be brave. When you're afraid of another person, you probably don't feel the most courageous. But sometimes just being brave is enough to stop a bully. What does a brave person look like and act like? Stand up straight and say "Don't mess with me".
▪️Pay no attention to the bully. If you can, try your best to ignore the bully's threats. Pretend you don't hear them and quickly get to safety. Bullies want a reaction to their teasing and meanness. Acting like you don't notice and don't care.
▪️Don't hesitate to yell back. Do not hit, kick or push back.
▪️Don't show your feelings. Plan ahead. How can you stop yourself from getting angry and how can you not show your offense to the offender.
▪️Tell it to an adult. If you are being bullied, it is very important to tell an adult about it. Find someone you trust and talk about what's going on with you.