Keep yourself cool. Remember that it’s okay to be upset, but responding to the bully with an insult will only add more fuel to the fire. Even responding with non-insults — for instance, “Please stop,” “That’s not appropriate,” or “I’m going to report you,” — will probably do more harm than good. Respond only with silence.
You may just want to click “delete” on every hateful email, text, or IM. However, this is not the right way to go. Remember, there may come a time when this bully needs to be reported — and you’ll need all the evidence right there in front of you.
Keep a record of the email or screen name you’ve received the bullying from. Check your inbox for previous materials from this person. If there aren’t any, go to the service provider’s website, and search the screen name you have. If the profile is not blocked, you may be able to view this person’s name. When all else fails, get others involved. Service providers, school officials, and especially law enforcement can track the IP address to help identify the attacker.
For instance, you can easily block users or report bullies and objectionable posts on Facebook. Check the “Settings” feature on other sites/apps to learn how to block or report bullying.
Even if the cyberbullying occurs beyond school property or school hours, report it to a teacher, counselor, resource officer, or principal. Schools have a responsibility to stop bullies and protect their targets no matter the circumstances.
If you’ve suffered substantial pain or humiliation from the bullying, or been threatened with harm or violence, the bully could be suspended, expelled, or even arrested. Any evidence of bullying that you’ve saved will be very helpful to the authorities. Keep in mind that if you’ve responded to bullying with bullying, it doesn’t matter if “they started it” — you may also be subject to discipline or even legal punishment.
The bully wants you to obsess over the mean thing they wrote or unflattering image they posted. But you don’t have to play their game.
Repeat your list of positive qualities to yourself whenever you start to feel down. You might even want to actually write the list down in the morning and at bedtime, to make it the first and last thing on your mind each day.
If you’re getting bullied because “you have no friends” or “nobody likes you,” don’t fall into the trap of believing the bully. Anyone can make friends — just be yourself, look for others with similar interests, give others a chance to know you, and be a good friend yourself.
You might be amazed by the amount of free time you’ll gain during this vacation. Use it wisely, on activities that make you feel better about yourself-as-you.
Trying something new that’s based on something you already enjoy can provide both distraction and enhanced self-esteem. For instance, if you like being in the kitchen, sign up for a cooking class with a parent or friend. Or, if you love being around pets, volunteer at the local animal shelter.
Try activities such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness techniques, meditation, prayer or spiritual practices, yoga, and exercise. You may get results from something as simple as taking a series of long, deep breaths (in for five seconds, slight pause, out for five seconds) while focusing on a word like “calm” or “happy. ”
If being bullied is causing depression or ongoing low-self esteem, talk to a parent, school counselor, or physician about seeing a licensed therapist. If you start to have thoughts about self-harm, tell an adult you trust right away. You can also call or text a 24/7 hotline such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the U. S. ) at 988. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Suicide prevention network operating a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress Go to source
Posting about your current crush or sharing images of you partying with friends may seem like a good idea right now, but what about a year from now? Consider how might someone twist your words or images to use them against you, as well.
Even better than just not joining in or encouraging the bullying, do your part to put an end to it. Gather evidence and report the bully yourself. Send messages of support to the person, like “Don’t listen to that jerk. You’re awesome just the way you are. ”
Be a friend to someone who you know is being bullied, and encourage others to do the same. Show them that there are a lot more good people out there than there are bullies.
