How to Be Confident Around Bullies

Bullies are not limited to school and are often found in workplaces and other public environments as well.

Dealing with a bully can at times feel frustrating, stressful and in extreme cases, overwhelming on a daily basis. Whether the bullying is emotional or physical it is not acceptable and should never be tolerated. Taking action into your own hands by staying confident when in the presence of a bully is essential to standing up for yourself and against the bully's behavior. With a bit of practice you will gain the ability to have confidence to disregard or to confront the bully's behavior with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror

Instructions

1. Assess the current situation you are in that involves the bully and whether or not the bullying takes place in private or in a public place.

2. Write a list of the bullying incidents that are occurring and include details and dates of each event to keep track for your own evidence. Your list of events will come in handy when dealing with authority figures (such as a boss or a school principal) to help with your side of the story.

3. Talk with a close friend, family member or your boss (if the bullying is taking place in the workplace) about your current situation. Sharing the issues that are occurring due to bullying will help with solving the conflict and finding solutions with those you trust.

4. Use a mirror to practice confronting the bully, which helps you view your own stance and presence when speaking. Stand up tall and straight when confronting the bully without acting aggressive to show your seriousness on the matter.

5. Set boundaries when a bully confronts or begins taunting you, such as informing him to stop or to leave you alone.

6. Walk away when dealing with an obnoxious bully by continuing your day and simply ignoring annoyances, taunts and verbal ridicule. Bullies often enjoy riling others up, so avoiding the bully will show him you are not willing to give him attention.

7. Report the bully to your school's administration or your Human Resources department in your workplace by filing a formal complaint. Filing a formal complaint will not work in favor for the bully and will also act as a warning for future actions he makes.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid giving into negative behavior by becoming a bully yourself, even in self-defense. Instead, report bullies to proper authority figures regardless of whether you are receiving physical or verbal threats.

• Understand that bullies are most often insecure or struggling with individual issues themselves, and that you are not the true target. Stay confident by getting to know and love who you are rather than feeling pressure to fit in or change yourself. Having self-esteem will help you feel confident rather than any negativity from a bully.

References

• Kids Health: Dealing With Bullies
• Kid Power; Face Bullying With Confidence: 8 Skills Kids Can Use Right Away; Irene van der Zande
• Solve Your Problem: Self Confidence: Bullies and Bullying