What Kids Can Do to Stop Bullying?

Bullying can make a kid's life miserable. Facing any form of bullying, whether physical or cyber-bullying, can lead to depression. In fact, some young people who face extreme bullying on a sustained basis turn to drugs and alcohol, and some even take their own lives. However, there are many strategies and techniques that kids can use to help themselves to stand up to the bullies.

  1. Tell Someone

    • Kids who are being bullied should inform a trusted adult as fast as possible. Depending on where the bullying takes place, the adult could be a teacher or lunchtime helper, or a parent or parent's friend. Adults should encourage the child to report any incidents, reassure him that he is not "tattling," and assure him that there will not be any negative repercussions.

    Get a Friend

    • The child being bullied should try to stick with a friend or group of friends as much as possible. Kids should avoid walking alone in places where they are likely to run into the bully. If the bullying occurs traveling to and from school, the child should sit near the bus driver or near lots of adults in a train. In a classroom, the child should try to sit as close to the teacher as possible.

    Write

    • Parents and other adults should encourage a kid who is being bullied to write a factual account of the bullying as well as a description of her feelings. This can be useful in an interview with a school principal or other authorities. It also gives adults insight into what the child experiences on a day-to-day level. If the child finds it difficult to write, drawing and painting are other creative ways she can express emotions.

    Stand Up to Bullies

    • Kids should not attack the bully in retaliation. Ignoring a bully is usually effective because bullies enjoy getting a reaction and upsetting people. Kids should try to give off a confident, positive vibe and not show the bully that they are frightened or upset. Another tactic is to use humor to try to defuse the situation. For example, if a child is being bullied because of his clothing, he can laugh it off and agree with the bully.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Health & Safety Activities for Children
      Health and safety are two topics that are imperative for children to understand and practice at the youngest age possible. Performing activities that help to teach these topics to children can sometimes seem like a difficult task due to the communica
    • Fireworks Safety Tips
      Fireworks Safety Tips Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July. But fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. Thats why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and its national and stat
    • Safety Rules at Home for Children
      Once you become a parent, you realize the constant vigilance needed to keep your little one safe. The comfortable nature of your home may impart the false impression that it is a safe haven. Actually, the majority of accidents that send children to t