How to Fight a School Bully

While physical bullying is sometimes the easiest to see, bullying can take many forms.

Bullying is a problem that can arise in any social situation, but it is more common in schools. The Trinity College, Dublin Anti-Bullying Centre lists six distinct types of bullying, including verbal; physical; extortion and e-bullying. Studies have found that bullied children are at a higher risk for substance abuse and suicide than their non-bullied peers. Evidence also indicates that bullies are at a higher risk for criminal behavior and domestic violence as adults. Fighting back against a bully by reporting bullying early on can help both the bullied and the bully, minimizing the negative impact bullying has on a child's development and life after school.

Instructions

1. Document the bullying. This can be done using photos, video or simply written accounts of the incidents. List the time and place of each instance of bullying and details of what occurred. If it was a physical attack, take pictures of any bruising. If it was extortion, list what was taken. If it was a e-bullying attack, print out chat logs or take screen captures of the computer. The more documentation the school or police receive, the more likely they will be able to do something about the bullying.

2. Report the bullying to the authorities. If the bullying takes place at school, start with the school administrators. After several high-profile teen suicides, many schools have enacted zero-tolerance policies in regards to school bullying; but all schools have some policy regarding harassment. These policies will guide the school's response to bullying accusations. If the school's response is inadequate, then local law enforcement can be notified and harassment charges can be pressed against the bully.

3. Educate the other students and parents about the dangers of bullying. Bullying affects more than just the students involved. Bullied students may have trouble concentrating in class and cause disruptions. Non-bullied students can be affected by the increased stress levels in the school.

Tips & Warnings

• Bullies should not be confronted directly by parents. Mediation should be sought between mutual authority figures, such as school administrators.

References

• Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity College Dublin; Bully Behaviour in Schools and the Workplace