Middle School

Kinds of Bullying

Verbal: Name-calling, put-downs, and unwelcome teasing.
Physical: Hitting, pushing, and destroying property.
Emotional: Gossiping, threatening, starting rumors.
Relational: Using friendships and relationships to exclude others and to hurt people to get what you want.
Cyberbullying: Using any form of technology (cell phones, Facebook, email, etc.) as a tool for bullying.

Bullying hurts everybody: targets, peers and bystanders, and the bullies themselves.
It is hard to learn in a place where there is bullying. It is hard to feel happy or safe where there is bullying.
Bullying can hurt for years after it happens. Lots of people never forget that they were bullied and how badly it made them feel.

Take a deep breath, look the bully in the eye and say, "I don't like it when _____. Stop or I will tell _____." Look confident, stand up straight and hold your head high. Practice this before you do it!
Find a friend to be with and who will stick up for you. Tell them you need their help.
Distract the bully by giving a compliment: "Thanks for caring about what I wear. I'll try to remember your advice next time I go shopping."
Distract the bully by asking a question: "You really want me to get lost? Where would you go if you were me?"
Avoid bullies when you can. Think "safety first."
Go to an adult who will listen to you (it is NOT tattling when you are being hurt!).
If someone is physically threatening or hurting you, make a lot of noise, get away fast, and tell an adult.
If a weapon is involved, get away fast and tell an adult immediately.

Remember: We all deserve respect. Keep trying!

Remember: Treat others like you want to be treated.

Take a deep breath, look the bully in the eye and say, "I don't like it when you ____. Stop or I will tell ______."
Invite the person who is being bullied to join you and your group.
Say something good to and about the person who is being bullied.
Make friends and stand by them.
Go to an adult who will listen to you. Reporting isn't tattling; you're keeping someone safe.
Don't laugh at bullying behavior or give the bully any attention for his/her behavior.
Say something, do something, or tell someone.

Remember: Bystanders can dramatically change a bullying situation. Be someone's hero!