When someone starts to tease you, don’t give them the attention that they are seeking. Continue to do what you were doing and act like you didn’t hear them.
If someone starts to pick on you while you are at your locker at school, grab the books that you need and go to class. When a co-worker is making fun of you in the office, find something else to do. Go to a different room to work, grab a cup of coffee, or take a trip to the restroom. The bully will likely be back to work by the time you return.
Take up boxing or kung fu to release some built up aggression. Yoga or distance running are great outlets to manage stress and clear your head. Practice mediation and deep breathing to calm yourself down. [1] X Expert Source Nicole Moshfegh, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021. Set aside 15-20 minutes to journal about your feelings and process your emotions. [2] X Expert Source Nicole Moshfegh, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.
Make your statements short and to the point. Say something like, “I don’t appreciate you making fun of me. Please stop. ” Stay calm when you confront your bully. Being emotional or crying could fuel the bullying.
Be witty or exaggerate the bully’s comments.
Most schools have anti-bullying policies and will take disciplinary measures to ensure the safety of each of their students. Be persistent. If one adult does not take your concerns seriously, talk to a different adult. You have the right to feel safe. Be prepared to give specific examples. You want the adult to understand that they are bullying you, and not that you are tattling on them. If the bully is a family member, consider asking another family member to help. They may be able to talk to your bully privately to put an end to the teasing.
Join a club, sport, or other extra curricular activity that interests you in order to find new friends with the same interests and values. Volunteer after work for a local organization. Be a good friend in return. Remember how it feels to be made fun of and never laugh when someone else is being made fun of. Stand up for others who are being bullied.
Your school’s counselor will be able to give you additional tips to handle bullying. There is no shame in seeing a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. Therapy can help you get more in touch with your emotions. [7] X Expert Source Nicole Moshfegh, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021. They may also be able to help improve your social skills to help prevent you from being a target of bullying in the future.
