What Is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated cruel behavior by one person or a group of people toward someone who is perceived to be weaker in some way.
Bullying is always about power.
Types of Bullying:
* Physical - Hitting, Kicking, Shoving, Punching
* Verbal - Teasing, Put-Downs, Gossip, Rumors, Whispering
* Relational - Leaving Out, Being made to feel embarrassed
* Cyberbullying - Bullying that takes place through the use of
texting, e-mail, social media and the internet
How To Stand Up to Bullies:
* Act Confident - Stand tall, Walk tall, Hold head high, Look people in the eye
*Be Assertive - Act confident and speak in a calm, firm voice. Let the bully know you are serious.
* Try not to look upset, sad, hurt or angry - Don't react
* When possible, stay away from bullies
* Use Humor - Have a funny comeback ready (One that is not mean or insulting)
Examples: Bully - "I can't believe you missed that shot!"
Response - "I can't believe it either."
Bully - "Your haircut looks stupid."
Response - "Thanks for noticing."
Bully - "Where did you get that ugly shirt?"
Response - " You think this is bad, you should see my other one; it is even uglier."
* Tell an adult you trust
* Stick with friends - There is safety in numbers!
Handling Gossip and Rumors
If the story is about you:
* If it is not true, let your friends know it isn't true. Set the record straight and tell the facts.
* Ask people to not repeat it
* If you feel safe, talk to the person who started it
If the story is about someone else:
* Don't repeat it
* Tell the person who told you not to repeat it again
Protecting Yourself From Cyberbullying:
* Do not open an e-mail if you do not know who it is from
* Do not respond to a bully's message/post
* Sign off and stay off the computer/phone for awhile
* If the bully is spreading rumors, let people know the true story
* Do not bully back
* Tell an adult you trust
When You see Bullying Happen:
* Never put yourself in danger
* Do not go along with the bullying (Laughing, Cheering)
* Tell an adult as soon as possible
* Be a friend to the victim
* If it is safe, stand up for the victim
* Sometimes a silent shrug or change of subject will work.
Resources
* www.bullying.org
* www.netsmartz.org/home
* www.stopbullyingnow.com
* http://cyberbullying.us/
* https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/the-ultimate-parent-guide-for-child-internet/
* Trouble Talk by Trudy Ludwig
* My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig
* Just Kidding! by Trudy Ludwig
* A Smart Girl's Guide To Friendship Troubles American Girl Library
* Cliques, Phonies and Other Baloney by Trevor Romain
* Don't Pick On Me by Susan Green
* Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies by Howard Binkow
* Middle School Confidential by Annie Fox
* Too Nice by Marjorie White Pellegrino
* The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson
* Nobody Knew What To Do by Becky Ray McCain