Eight Bullying Survival Tips
- If you feel safe enough, speak to the person who is bullying you. Have you ever said something to a friend and upset them by accident? Chances are, it has probably happened loads of times. It’s a similar thing with bullying, as the definition of the behavior is by default subjective – meaning that everybody has a different threshold of what they consider to be bullying. Sometimes, the person who is bullying may genuinely have no idea that it is affecting you. Equally, they are probably going through a difficult time themselves and will relate to how you’re feeling.
- Ignore the bully and walk away. This is not a coward’s response – sometimes it can be harder than losing your temper. Bullies thrive on the reaction they get, and if you walk away or ignore hurtful emails or instant messages, you’re telling the bully that you just don’t care.
- Hold the anger in. Who doesn’t want to get really upset with a bully? But that’s exactly the response he or she is trying to get. Bullies want to know they have control over your emotions.
- Don’t get physical. However you choose to deal with a bully, don’t use physical force (like kicking, hitting or pushing). Not only are you showing your anger, you can never be sure what the bully will do in response.
- Don’t see yourself as the problem. The reason people experience bullying is not their sexuality, gender identify, race, appearance, disability or any other unique factor; it is because of the attitude towards the factor. The only thing possible to change is attitude. The person who is bullying you is the one with the issue, not you.
- Practice confidence. Practice ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behavior. Practice feeling good about yourself (even if you have to fake it at first.)
- Take charge of your life. You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can stay true to yourself. Think about ways to feel strong and powerful. (It’s a great mood lifter, too!) Learn a martial art or take a class like yoga.
- Talk about it. It may help to talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or friend – anyone who can give you the support you need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and frustrations that can build up when you’re being bullied.
