Ready to Help Prevent Bullying?
Here are Ways You Can STOMP Out Bullying!
Bullying is something many of us face, and it can be difficult to know what to do. You must always remember that bullying is NOT your fault. This Bullying Prevention Tip Sheet outlines steps you can take to help prevent bullying in your school or community.
Bullying Prevention Tip #1:
Report It
Don't be afraid to tell an adult. Telling isn't tattling! You are helping someone.
Prevention is best addressed by communicating and teaching the expected pro-social behaviors:
- Clearly communicate policy and protocols for bullying behaviors to all staff, students and parents
- Empower bystanders to promote and take responsibility for creating a safe and welcoming environment
Who should you tell? You could tell your parents, teacher, school counselor, school nurse, coach or any adult you trust.
Be sure to tell exactly what happened ... who was bullied, who the bully was, where and when it happened. Even if you only suspect a kid is being bullied, it's a good idea to report that, too. Most adults really do care about bullying and will be glad that you told them about it so they can prevent it from occurring in the future.
If you tell an adult and you don't think they are doing anything about the bullying or if the situation isn't improving, tell another adult. Keep telling adults until someone does something to help.
Bullying Prevention Tip #2:
Be a Friend to Someone Who Is Being Bullied
When someone is down they need a friend. Be there for the person who is being bullied. Be a buddy on school grounds, get together after school, include them in activities, walk home with them, or sit with them on the bus. Being an understanding and supportive friend means so much. Show a kid who is being bullied that you care about them.
Bullying Prevention Tip #3:
Stand Up to The Bully
If you feel safe and comfortable, tell the bully that what they are doing is mean and wrong. It's not cool and they should stop. Keep it simple.
For example, if someone verbally or emotionally bullies you, look them in the eye and say STOP IT NOW.” And then walk away. Even if they are bullying you as you walk away – keep walking.
Do not bully them back. If you are not comfortable standing up to the bully, tell an adult.
Bullying Prevention Tip #4:
If You are Left Out of A Group and Being Bullied
Very often someone you thought was your friend, has joined the bully’s side. While this does hurt you, ask yourself … how much of a friend could they have really been if they’re doing this to you?
Find other friends, join groups and clubs at school. The best revenge is for you to be happy!
WHEN IT COMES TO BULLYING, REMEMBER
- It's NOT your fault. No one deserves to be bullied!
- Don’t fight back or bully a person back. It won't make things any better and it will probably get you into trouble. The ONLY time to fight back is if someone is physically hurting you. At the same time others who see this should seek help from a trusted adult.
- Never keep the pain of being bullied to yourself. Tell someone. Tell a friend. Tell a trusted adult. Report it!!! Telling is NOT tattling.
- Don’t skip school or avoid friends, sports or clubs because you’re afraid of the bully. You have a right to be there just as much as the bully does.
- No matter how bad you feel, hurting yourself or thinking about suicide is NOT the answer. Nothing is that bad. Talk with an adult and get help.
Does your school have a peer mentoring group?
If so, talk to them. Ask for help.
Kids who are not bullying victims can help too. Ask your principal if you can start a peer mentoring group. You and your group can focus on bullying prevention and start a bully-free community in school. Before you know it the only lonely ones will be the bullies who will surely want to change their behavior when they're left out.
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