Guide for How to Deal With Bullies
Bullying is a frightening thing that leaves its victims feeling emotionally scarred and insecure. In addition to harming its victims, bullying can also start a vicious cycle of abuse, as victims become bullies to feel powerful. Bullying can crop up everywhere from preschools to the workplace, and must be handled sensitively, as bullied people are often terrified of retaliation and further harm. Bullied people may be afraid of standing up to bullies on their own, requiring intervention from an authority figure. Subsequently, authorities from employers to teachers need to be attuned to relational dynamics that might indicate bullying is occurring.
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Instructions
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Avoid or isolate the bully. While this may not seem like the bravest solution, and may make day-to-day life at school or work more complicated, it is an effective way to minimize the impact a bully has on your life. Similarly, if you are a teacher or employer, keep a known bully away from situations where he might be able to intimidate weaker peers.
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Ignore the bully and remove yourself immediately from bullying situations. Sometimes, a particularly aggressive bully will actually seek out her victim, even if the victim is doing his best to stay away. If this happens to you, tell the bully to leave you alone --- calmly and firmly, not hysterically --- and move away. If you can, surround yourself with others so it is more difficult for the bully to attack you.
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Practice being firm and resolute. Bullies often feed off the weak, using their fear and subsequent inability to stand up to aggression. Practicing in front of the mirror or with a friend how to be strong and refuse to cave to a bully's demands and anger can help you be brave when the moment comes.
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Create a support system, both where the bullying occurs --- like in a classroom --- and elsewhere. A friend can help encourage you that bullying is not your fault, help you stand up for yourself, and make it more difficult for a bully to approach you. Bullies are often uninterested in taking on a group, preferring to torment the isolated and defenseless.
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Tell an authority figure, like a parent, teacher or employer, that you are being bullied. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed --- it is their responsibility to protect you. In many cases, their intervention is the only way to get a bully to leave you alone. Be specific in recounting details of the bullying.
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Report the bully to the local police if violence has occurred or bullying has escalated to what you feel is a dangerous degree. Many states and towns have implemented laws about bullying, and your police department will be able to tell you your rights and protect you from violence and harm.
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References
- Family Doctor: Helping Kids Deal With Bullies
- Australian Government: Bullying Among Young Children - A Guide For Teachers and Carers
- Penn State University: Bullying - What Parents Can Do About It
- KidsHealth: Dealing With Bullying
- Columbiana Police Department: How to Deal With Bullies
- Stop Bulling In South Australia: Dealing With Workplace Bullying
Resources
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
