Bullying
Bullying doesn’t make you cool it is just mean and harmful.
What is bullying?
There are several ways bullying occurs.
Verbal: name-calling, teasing, spreading rumors
Physical: hitting, punching, shoving, kicking
Cyber bullying: using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to harm others
Bullying has two key components: repeated harmful acts and an imbalance of power. It involves repeated physical, verbal, or psychological attacks or intimidation directed against a victim who cannot properly defend him- or herself because of size or strength
A should be for assertive not apathetic. Watching bullying take place and doing nothing about it contributes to the problem.
Why should I care?
Everyone deserves a safe school and environment to focus on more important priorities as opposed to worrying about some bully’s next stupid decision. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live life without intimidation while trying to educate and better themselves.
1 in every 4 students ages 12-18 are bullied at school. Do you have more than 4 friends? Out of those events over half were witnessed by three or more people that did nothing to stop the bullying. When people say nothing they are actually telling the bully it is ok to continue his or her actions. Look at “What can I do?” to see what to do in situations with bullies.
What can I do?
There are always ways to make yourself less of a target. Here are some helpful tips on what to do to prevent bullying and what to do if you are already being bullied.
Cyberbullying
Methods of Prevention
If it may embarrass you don’t do it! Don’t share secrets, photos or anything that could come back to haunt you or weapon your opponent. What may seem funny or “not a big deal” at the time could be used against you and humiliate you later.
Set privacy settings on your accounts. Do not share information with people you don’t know or don’t know well. Pay attention to notices about privacy settings and discover how to protect yourself from cyberbullies.
Once the Bullying Has Occurred
Talk with someone you trust. The more advice from mature, trustworthy people the better. In some cases the solution is simple, but just needs an outside perspective in able to see the resolution.
Do not respond to cyberbullying. Some bullies just want to see a reaction. If someone has posted or sent a message that could be hurtful to others don’t respond and never pass the message along.
Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, e-mails, and text messages. If there is a huge problem with cyberbullying the law is here to help!
Block the person who is cyberbullying you. Many companies let you block people. Also, cyberbullying is not accepted by numerous companies and may violate the “Terms and Conditions” of these services. Reporting the person can help end the bullying.
Report the incident to your school. They may be able to help you resolve the cyberbullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.
Ask for help. Sometimes, talking to a counselor or health professional can help relieve some of the emotional stress.
Physical or verbal bullying
Methods of Prevention
Stay away from bullies. Don’t hang out where bullies are looming.
Stay near positive people. Hanging around good friends that truly care about you is one way to stay confident and keep away from bullies.
Once the Bullying Has Occurred
Tell the bully to stop. If the bullying has not escalated into physical matters and is only verbal, then tell them to stop.
Talk with someone you trust. The more advice from mature, trustworthy people the better. In some cases the solution is simple, but just needs an outside perspective in able to see the resolution.
Report bullying. If the bully continues to persist with threats, intimidation, or physical abuse then report the bullying to the school principal or if they are Crime Stoppers. Sometimes it is easier to be able to tell about a situation with the ability to stay anonymous. Just like in the case of cyberbullying keep all evidence for reporting.
Do not blame yourself. Remember that no matter what someone says, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Be proud of who you are. Don’t give the bully the satisfaction of letting them know they got underneath your skin. Some bullies just want a reaction. If you are bullied about race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or anything else take pride in who you are.
“But I am the bully” (for a Bully)
People Who Bully Others:
Have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults. It may seem normal or cool to drink and do drugs, but it is extremely harmful to all aspects of life including to family life.
Are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.
School is what gives you the tools needed to advance and succeed. Those that don’t finish their education make less money and cannot support themselves.
Are more likely to have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults. In one study, 60% of boys who bullied others in middle school had a criminal conviction by age 24.
Are more likely to continue an abusive path and become violent towards even loved ones.