Tell them calmly to stop bullying you. For example, “You are being really uncool right now. Please stop. ” or “That’s enough. Don’t talk like that again. ” Avoid getting angry or sarcastic in your response. Try to keep your response short. If they don’t stop, walk away from them. Do not fight with a bully, either with words or physically.
Bullies will often be individuals who engage in risky behaviors such as heavy drinking or crime. Contrary to popular belief, bullies will usually be very popular and overly self confident. Bullies may either physically or verbally attempt to harm another person. Violence or bullying may be a learned behavior from a bully’s home life. [6] X Research source
Don’t respond with anger or emotion. Bullies want to knock you down or start a fight. Deny them this by staying calm and positive. Let the bully know that their attitude and behavior is unacceptable. Calmly listen to the bully and ask questions. For example, “It sounds like you think I’m stupid. Why do you feel that way?” Bullies won’t often have actual reasons and will generally stop once you open an honest dialogue with them.
Tell someone immediately if you are being physically bullied. Bullies may threaten you with further violence or you may feel too embarrassed to talk about it. Don’t be afraid to speak up, someone will help you. Physical bullying tends to escalate. The sooner it is addressed the safer you will be.
Ignore any messages the bully sends to you. Bullies want you to get mad and respond. Ignoring them lets them know that you are not a target. Threats of violence made on-line are taken very seriously. These can be reported to police or the FBI. Save all instances and evidence of cyberbullying. For example, any emails from a bully that demonstrate their bullying should be downloaded or otherwise stored securely. Cut off communication. If you are able, block their email address, phone number, or whatever method they are contacting you with. Tell someone if you are being bullied online or through some other form of technology.
If only a few people confront a bully they will usually stop the behavior. Get your friends to help stick up for you if you are being bullied.
If you are a student try to always be around adults. If you feel unsafe try asking a friend to accompany you when possible.
If you know someone who is being bullied offer your help to them. If your child is being bullied at school tell them to seek help from a principal or teacher.
