Avoid Bullies

Bullying is becoming the latest epidemic in schools around the world. This disease doesn't spread by sneezing or sharing water bottles, it comes from a hatred deep down inside. Bullying has been on the rise for a while, with up to 77% of kids admitting to being bullied in one form or another[1]. No matter what form, cyber, physical, or verbal, knowing how to avoid the situation altogether is half the battle in not being plagued with this sickness.

Steps

  1. Do not draw attention to yourself (e.g. try to act "cool", or do outrageous things), this makes it more satisfying for the bully to bring you down.
  2. Do not fight back! This is inevitably the worse thing you can do when dealing with bullies. This will create more repercussions, which is the last thing you want.
  3. Don't talk to them. Leave them alone. Talking to them will give them a chance to be mean or disrespectful to you.
  4. Don't react to the bully's rude remarks. If he or she calls you names or bags you out, don't ignore him or her, just smile and walk off. You need to make sure that you do not express any distress or the bully will thrive off this.
  5. Bear in mind that if the bully has a group of friends that follow him or her, it's most likely they are his or her friends involuntarily. Try to make small talk with them when they are alone. Listen to them and be genuinely interested in what they are saying. After all, the more people you have on your side the better.
  6. Do not give them the attention they clearly want. Bullies want attention, as well as them being jealous, mad, disliked, and possibly insecure. Know that many, many people in this world think that the only reason why bullies act "that way" is because they are insecure about themselves. This could be true, and it could not be true. Either way, keep in mind that they want attention. Don't tell the bully that they are insecure, follow these steps above and don't give them the attention they want.
  7. Kill them with kindness. This means to say something nice "back to them" when they insult you. For example, if they make fun of your hair, which is probably the least they will do, tell them that you like their hair as well. Whatever you do, be sure to stand up for yourself and others, but don't be mean. You will get in trouble and keep in mind that it can easily backfire, no matter how much they do it and remain untouched.
  8. Don't be scared of the bully. One of the reasons you may actually desire to avoid them is, yes, because of the bullying, but also because you may be scared of the bully. Realize that they are human, and there is not one reason to be scared of them, even if they are violent. If you are still scared, do not show them that.



Tips

  • Try to kill them with kindness. The bullies will be confused and they probably won't know what to say about it.
  • Take another route during school hours and avoid looking at them in the eye because they are looking for attention.
  • Agree with them as an act of humor. "If you insist!" "Yes, I am so worthless." "Don't remind me, Mary/Jane/Michael/John." (Any other name that isn't theirs is okay too!)
  • Reply to them in an intelligent and confident manner.
  • If you deal with a bully that is just being mean (without violence) just ignore him. If violence comes in, then you have to tell an adult, teacher, person about it.
  • Run to a crowded place as fast as possible.

Warnings

  • Try not to cry or be angry around the bully.
  • While it may be hard to resist, avoid seeking revenge on the bully. Be the bigger person.
  • Ask an adult you trust like your principal, a police officer, school administrator, etc. that you are being harassed.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-statistics.html
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