Fantastic Friends Resource Material
Bullyingstatistics.org cites statistics from the American Justice Department that claim that 1 out of every four students will be bullied sometime during adolescence. Other figures show that about 77 percent have admitted to being a victim of intimidation.
Recent numbers indicate that bullying is on the rise due to online abuse. Cyber assaults include bashing, threatening comments, spreading false rumors, and other forms of hazing.
Regardless of its form, bullying is still a big problem in our schools as it seeks to undermine all students' overall security and welfare. Anti-bullying campaigns and increased awareness have helped; however, more must be done. For more information, see our Fantastic Friends Magic Program.
Helpful Bully Prevention Information for Educators
Anti-bullying Tips:
- If you know a student who doesn't like you, keep your distance.
- If the bully gets in your face, ignore them and walk away. Don't let them know they "got to you". The bully is looking for you to react, so don't.
- Always tell someone you trust and who can help you. Don't suffer in silence. If you can't tell them in person, write a note explaining your situation. If you're afraid to tell your parents, confide in grandparents, brothers, sisters, or another adult you trust, such as a teacher or school counselor.
- When you tell someone, you should share the following:
- What happened to you, and what you did do.
- Who bullied you, and who saw it happen.
- Where it happened and how often.
- Write down everything that happened to you in your journal.
- Get help from a person in authority. It's the job of teachers or counselors to help stop bullying. If you're uncomfortable, then take someone along. You can tell the authorities when the bully is not around. If you're being physically bullied, then ask to keep your name confidential.
- If the bullying is physical, then see your doctor or school nurse. Ask them to write down your experience, so you have an official record.
- Keep a journal of your experiences and feelings about what happened. Also, write down things others did for you.
- Know your legal rights. Consider having your parents use complaint procedures or the courts to stop the bullying.
- Avoid places where bullies hang out. Commute to and from school earlier or later in the day. Take different routes to school. Avoid being alone in the hallways, locker rooms, restrooms, or empty classrooms.
- Walk to school with someone like a brother, sister, neighbor, or friend.
- Carpool to school, and don't be alone in the parking lot.
- Never bring expensive stuff or lots of money to school. It's not worth getting hurt to protect your possessions.
- Be careful to who you give your contact information. Harassing messages can be a criminal offense. The police can help.
- Hang out with friends. Bullies tend to pick on people who are alone.
- Join clubs like social groups, sports teams, after-school programs, church groups, community groups, and similar activities. Counter your anger with physical activity.
- Be confident and believe in yourself.
- Talk to the bully and try to reason or rationalize with them if necessary. Prepare something to say to the bully in advance. Speak firmly, so you don't seem intimidated.
- Don't fight back or lose your composure. It'll only make it worse. Bullies try to unnerve people, so don't let them.
- Check out your body language. Stooping, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, and similar gestures show you're not confident. Look assertive. Hold your head up, stand up straight, look people in the eye, and walk proudly; the bully will be less likely to harass you.
How Can You Help Someone Who's Being Bullied?
- Don't join in. Don't try to fit in by excluding others.
- Be a friend to someone being bullied. Help them and ask them to tell someone about their experience. Go with them if they need support.
- Let them know there's always the option to talk, and you'll listen at any time.
- Don't overload them emotionally because you're there to help, not to add to their problems.
- Find help from teachers, parents, friends, or other adults. Tell someone if you see someone being bullied. You can keep your name confidential.
- Don't fight the bully. It might not be safe. Tell someone instead.
- Keep close to the student being bullied and look for warning signs. If someone threatens suicide, take this seriously. Bullying can also result in destructive habits and withdrawal. If you see any of these signs, tell their parents, a teacher, a counselor, or an adult with experience in the field.
Related Resource:
For more information, see our Anti-Bullying Resources information page.