What You Can Do
Now that you know how a bully thinks, you are in control. There's a lot you can do to protect yourself from bullying.
What a Bully Looks for
Differences
How You Can Protect Yourself
Respect differences.
Example
Everyone has differences. Just look around you. When you value and respect differences, you let the bully know that being different doesn't bother you a bit. In fact, you like it! If a bully makes fun of your red hair or wheelchair or how you talk, just smile and agree.
"Yes, I do have red hair."
"Yes, I do use a wheelchair."
"Yes, I do stutter."
Then walk away!
What a Bully Looks for
Helplessness
How You Can Protect Yourself
Don't react.
Example
Kids who bully want you to be upset. They're counting on it.
So DON'T give them what they want. Even if you feel scared or upset, try not to show it.
Crying, showing fear, or acting mad encourages the bully to pick on you again.
At recess, a kid starts calling you names.
You probably feel upset and hurt. You might even feel like crying. That's just what the bully wants.
Instead of acting as upset as you feel, do something unexpected. Laugh. Walk away.
What a Bully Looks for
Isolation
How You Can Protect Yourself
Be with others.
Example
Kids who bully love to target kids who are alone. They love it when no one knows what they're up to.
You can do two things to change the situation.
First, try to hang out with other kids or be within sight of a grownup. Most bullying happens when adults are not around.
Second, tell your mom, dad, teacher, or other grownup you trust. Adults can help you stop the bullying.
A kid waits until you're alone in the hall, then shoves you against a locker and threatens to beat you up after school.
What can you do? Plenty.
First, remember that bullies want you to feel scared and to cry. Instead of acting as upset as you feel, keep your voice calm and steady. Hold your head high. Look the bully straight in the eye, and say, "No! Leave me alone."
Second, bullies want you to be aloneŃso make sure other people are around. When you say "No! Leave me alone," say it strong and say it as loud as you can, over and over to attract attention.
Third, tell a grownup that you are being bullied and ask for help.