Putting a stop to bullying
In the spirit of Anti-Bullying Week (from Monday 16 until Friday 20 November this year), Suzy Stocker has written some steps you can take to help stop bullying.
If someone is bullying you, you need to deal with the situation appropriately as soon as you can. The first form of action you can take is to walk away from the person. Often, this is the safest option because this avoids potential physical bullying or further verbal insults that may affect you. Next, report the situation straight away to a trusted adult - this will stop you from feeling alone because someone can help you. It will also show the bully that their behaviour is not acceptable. If you feel safe doing so, you could explain to the bully how they are making you feel and ask them to stop. It is important you remain calm when you speak with them. The bully’s aim is to receive an emotional response from you – if you react, it is likely they will continue to bully you.
Unfortunately, you may know someone who is being bullied. It is important that you do not watch and allow it to happen (this is called being a ‘bystander’). You can ask the bully to stop being mean to the person. If it is a situation where you feel unable to help, find a trusted adult who can. Secondly, if you see someone, who you know is a victim of bullying, on their own, you can spend time with them. The bully is more likely to be unkind to someone if they are alone.
Bullying is a serious problem that can escalate unless it is stopped. Remember to follow these steps to put an end to bullying. Let’s put an end to bullying and spread kindness instead.
Suzy Stocker, Year 7
If someone is bullying you, you need to deal with the situation appropriately as soon as you can. The first form of action you can take is to walk away from the person. Often, this is the safest option because this avoids potential physical bullying or further verbal insults that may affect you. Next, report the situation straight away to a trusted adult - this will stop you from feeling alone because someone can help you. It will also show the bully that their behaviour is not acceptable. If you feel safe doing so, you could explain to the bully how they are making you feel and ask them to stop. It is important you remain calm when you speak with them. The bully’s aim is to receive an emotional response from you – if you react, it is likely they will continue to bully you.
Unfortunately, you may know someone who is being bullied. It is important that you do not watch and allow it to happen (this is called being a ‘bystander’). You can ask the bully to stop being mean to the person. If it is a situation where you feel unable to help, find a trusted adult who can. Secondly, if you see someone, who you know is a victim of bullying, on their own, you can spend time with them. The bully is more likely to be unkind to someone if they are alone.
Bullying is a serious problem that can escalate unless it is stopped. Remember to follow these steps to put an end to bullying. Let’s put an end to bullying and spread kindness instead.
Suzy Stocker, Year 7