What Can You Do?
For younger kids, the best way to solve a teen bullying
problem is to tell an adult. For teens, the tell-an-adult
approach depends on the bullying situation. One situation in
which it is vital to report Teen bullying is if it threatens
to lead to physical danger and harm. Numerous high schoolers
have died when stalking, threats, and attacks went
unreported and the silence gave the bully license to become
more and more violent. Adults in positions of authority -
parents, teachers, or coaches - can often find ways to
resolve dangerous bullying problems without the bully ever
finding out how they came to know about it.
If you're in a Teen bullying situation that you think may
escalate into physical violence, try to avoid being alone
(and if you have a friend in this situation, spend as much
time as you can with him or her). Try to remain part of a
group by walking home at the same time as other people or by
sticking close to friends or classmates during the times
that the bullying takes place.
Here are some things you can do to combat psychological and
verbal bullying. They're also good tips to share with a
friend as a way to show your support:
Ignore the bully and walk away. It's definitely not a
coward's response - sometimes it can be harder than losing
your temper. Teen Bullies thrive on the reaction they get,
and if you walk away, or ignore hurtful emails or instant
messages, you're telling the bully that you just don't care.
Sooner or later the bully will probably get bored with
trying to bother you. Walk tall and hold your head high.
Using this type of body language sends a message that you're
not vulnerable.
Hold the anger. Who doesn't want to get really upset with a
bully? But that's exactly the response he or she is trying
to get. Teen Bullies want to know they have control over
your emotions. If you're in a situation where you have to
deal with a bully and can't walk away with poise, use humor
- it can throw the bully off guard. Work out your anger in
another way, such as through exercise.
Don't get physical. However you choose to deal with a bully,
don't use physical force (like kicking, hitting, or
pushing). Not only are you showing your anger, you can never
be sure what the bully will do in response.
Talk about it. It may help to talk to a guidance counselor,
teacher, or friend - anyone who can give you the support you
need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and
frustrations that can build when you're being bullied.
Find your (true) friends. If you've been bullied with mean
rumors or gossip, all of the above tips (especially ignoring
and not reacting) can apply. But take it one step further to
help ease feelings of hurt and isolation. Find one or two
true friends and confide that mean gossip has hurt your
feelings. Set the record straight by telling your friends
quietly and confidently what's true and not true about you.
Hearing a friend say, "I know the rumor's not true. I didn't
pay attention to it," can help you realize that most of the
time people see gossip for what it is - petty, rude, and
immature.
If You have a teen Bullying problem, either if you are being
bullied or you realise that you are a teen bully and want to
mend your ways:- why not anonymous tell us your story and
our readers will offer you their advice... What you do with
that advice is up to you.