How to Deal With Severe Bullying

Teasing isn't pleasant but when it becomes cruel and crosses the line into bullying, the victim of the bully can suffer emotionally and physically. There is never a good excuse for bullying and adults must stop the activity if a child cannot do so by himself.

Instructions

1. Prevent direct contact with the bully, if possible. If you know he will be standing in front of the school, take a different route.

2. Keep your cool when confronted. If you cry or look flustered, it will satisfy the bully who will continue to target you to get the same reaction. Instead, act as if you could care less and ignore the cruel remarks and taunts.

3. Share your concerns with an adult if the bullying is keeping you from participating in school activities. Tell the school counselor, the principal or your parents. Bullies are often cowards when someone with authority confronts them.

4. Take away the bully's reason for targeting you. In many cases, a bully takes another child's lunch money. If that happens, try bringing your lunch to school with you.

5. Notify the police if the bully is hurting you physically. Even though most bullies will threaten their targets with more torment if they tell, it's usually better to tell the authorities anyway. Be sure to tell the police that the bully said he would hurt you more if you told.

6. Ask your parents to speak with the school and the bully's parents. There are laws against bullying and the school is obligated to enforce them.

7. Rise above the bullying and realize that the bully is little more than a cruel coward beneath his tough exterior. You may not be able to force him to be a decent human being but you still have the choice not to allow his acts to affect your life.