What Is Bullying?
Bullying is when someone is picked on by a person or group. Bullies might make fun of people who they think don't fit in.
Bullies might make fun of others for many things, including:
appearance (how someone looks)
behavior (how someone acts)
race or religion
social status (whether someone is popular)
sexual identity (like being gay, lesbian, or transgender)
What Are the Effects of Bullying?
Bullies often pick on people over and over again. This can make teens:
feel afraid, stressed, depressed, or anxious
have thoughts about suicide or hurting themselves
have trouble with their schoolwork
have problems with mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite
3'Rs of bullying prevention
Recognize, Respond, and Report
According to U. S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, “bullying is finally being recognized as a school safety issue.” Parents and school personnel can effectively work together to address this serious issue by following the 3 R's: Recognize, Respond, and Report.
What Can I Do?
There are many things that you can do if you're being bullied or know someone who is. You can:
Tell a trusted adult. Adults in positions of authority, like parents, teachers, or coaches, often can deal with bullying without the bully ever learning how they found out about it.
Ignore the bully and walk away. Bullies like getting a reaction. If you walk away or ignore them, you're telling them that you don't care.
Walk tall and hold your head high. Using this type of body language sends a message that you're not vulnerable.
Don't get physical. You're more likely to be hurt and get into trouble if you try to fight a bully. Work out your anger in another way, such as exercising or writing it down (make sure you delete or tear up any emails, posts, letters, or notes you write in anger).
Try to talk to the bully. Try to point out that his or her behavior is serious and harmful. This can work well if you notice that a member of your own group has started to pick on or shun another member.
Practice confidence. Practice ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behavior. Practice feeling good about yourself (even if you have to fake it at first).
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 rumors or gossip, tell your friends so that they can help you feel safe and secure. Avoid being alone, especially when the bullying is happening a lot.
Stand up for friends and others you see being bullied. Your actions help the victim feel supported and may stop the bullying.
Join your school's bullying or violence prevention programs. Peer mediation is another way you may be able to work things out with a bully. If your school doesn't have these programs, start one of your own.
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html
