How to Effectively Report a Bully

Schools with large age gaps among students are prime venues for physical bullying.

Bullying is a problem that affects everyone from young children to adults: Individuals in a position of power --- either due to physical stature or workplace, social or cultural standing --- use their position to pick on those with less power. If you or someone you know has become a bullying victim, report the incidents to an adult such as a parent or school official who may be able to help stop the bullying.

Instructions

1. Watch for bullying incidents even if you're not the victim of bullying. Often, a bullying victim may be intimidated and afraid to approach an authority figure --- it sometimes takes an outsider to step in on his behalf to get help.

2. Avoid escalating the situation with your words or actions when confronted by a bully. KidsHealth.org says the best way to prevent a bully from picking on you is to refuse to play into her game by getting upset.

3. Walk away from the confrontation before a bully has the chance to escalate to violence, according to StopBullying.gov.

4. Approach one of your parents and tell them about the bully. StopBullying.gov and KidsHealth.org both state that for certain bullies. adult intervention is required before bullying stops. A parent can help by speaking to the parents of the bully, as well as with other adults in positions of authority.

5. Speak with an adult in a position of authority where the bullying is occurring. For example, if bullying is occurring in school, speak with the a teacher, a coach for an athletic team that the bully is a part of, or even the principal.

6. Speak honestly with the adult you report the incidents to. Although letting the adult know the full extent of the bullying may be embarrassing, the more the adult knows, the better prepared he'll be to put a stop to the bullying.

7. File a formal complaint with the school or other venue if such an option is available. A formal complaint puts the actions of the bully down on paper so it can be added to her permanent file.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep copies of any email, Internet or texting harassment as evidence of the perpetrator's electronic bullying.

• Travel with a group of friends if you fear violence may occur as a result of bullying. KidsHealth.org states that a pack of friends may discourage a bully from acting out violently, as he's outnumbered.

References

• Kids Health: Dealing With Bullying
• Hillsborough County Public Schools: Bully Prevention and Reporting
• Stop Bullying; How Do I Get Help?