What to do if you perceive a bullying problem...
more serious situation:
If someone is in danger of being physically hurt or hurting themselves because of bullying, now or in the near future, you have a responsibility to tell a trustworthy adult right away.
less serious situation:
If someone is beginning to take teasing too far and it is happening on a regular basis, you and your friends can come up with strategies to try to deal with the situation yourselves.
You could make jokes that would make everything more light-hearted.
You can talk to your friends about supporting the victim by openly taking his or her side against the bully.
You can do this by all walking away when the mean behaviour starts or you could speak up and tell the bully to leave the victim alone.
It is always easier to stand up to someone when you have the support of your friends. You could even start a pink shirt campaign at your school.
Remember, if you stand up for what is right, most bullies will back down.
Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868
kidshelphone.ca
- Kids Help Phone is: FREE!
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year!
- Anonymous (no call display or tracing calls and you don't have to give your name or address)
- Confidential (the conversation is between you and the counsellor- no-one else)
- bilingual
- staffed by professional counsellors who can give you immediate,caring support no matter where you are in Canada.
- No problem is too big, too small, too unimportant, too serious, too embarrassing... too anything!