How to Prevent Bullying

How To Prevent Bullying

Bullying is a problem.

It happens all the time.

Find out how to prevent it.

After learning about what bullying and cyber-bullying is, it has become evident that it needs to be stopped. The impact of bullying and cyber-bullying is major but also avoidable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 in 3 students (about 27%) report being bullied in schools. But, that is a number that can be reduced. If people learn how to stop bullying before it starts, then 1 in 3 will become less and less.

Bullying is a horrible thing, and most times, standing up to bullies is really hard for so many reasons. But in the end, if you do not stop it then when will it ever stop? It will continue unless you take action and end it.

Make sure to call out the bully for their actions. Calling out the bully shows them that you know what they are doing and that they need to stop.
Try to avoid as much physical contact as possible. Fights are not very smart, and will not end well for you or the other person.
Tell the bully to stop. If one person stands up, then much more will too.
There is so much power in walking away. If the situation gets intense, find a calm way to end it and walk away.
For boys, make sure to make other guys notice that you cannot be messed with. Stand your own ground and be confident (but not too confident). Try not fall under just one person and be a leader to yourself. You and only you have power over yourself, so defend yourself (without physical violence).
Do not be a bystander. If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them. You need to realize how much help you can offer another by helping to stop their hurt.
As for cyber-bullying, if you see someone being bullied online, do not be afraid to report it or take a picture as documentation and inform your parents or your school. Social media has made cyber-bullying very possible, but very stoppable.

TEENS

SCHOOLS

It is important for schools to also be aware of the bullying that occurs in the school. Some bullying happens very sneakily and can slip away without being noticed.

Make your students aware of bullying. Emphasize how it is a problem and how to stop it.
Find out how bullying is happening in the school if it is more physical, verbal, or relational.
Keep the parents and kids involved. If you see something happening, talk to the child about it and if it is major, inform the parents about your concerns.
Create policies and rules against some forms of bullying that you can monitor and make sure that they are recognized by students.
Always be open to being talked to. Some students, especially teenagers, might feel like they can handle their own problems, but it is important to make yourselves open to conversation.
Set rules about social media at school. Make sure that students know that cyber-bullying will not be tolerated.

PARENTS

For some parents, especially when handling teenagers, it can be hard to know exactly what is happening in your child's life. Teens tend to be difficult, but if they are being harassed at school, it is important for you to offer your support and to help them.

If your child has not yet been bullied, it is important that you help them to notice what exactly bullying is. For some teens, they may not want to listen and they feel like they know everything about bullying, but it is important to make sure that they understand this form of harassment.
Ask your children about their school day often. This reminds them that you can be talked to. Even if your children barely responds or does not often talk about their day, there is a big difference between "It was fine!" and "It was fine". It is important to note their attitude, which can change because of bullying.
Make sure to help kids to keep up with their preferred activities. After being bullied or harmed in school, teens may start to lose interest in their favorite activities.
Even if your child is acting sour, behavior is everything. A change in behavior can mean so much if you notice it.
Keep on trying. Chances are that when they have a problem, they will come to you.
Make sure to be a role model. By treating others kindly, it helps your child to see that they do not need to become bullies.
Always be open to discussion. Offer your own experiences and tell them how they can stop bullying.
Make sure to keep up with the school by check their newspaper or website.
Whatever you do, please do not try and solve the problem yourself. If your kid is being bullied, you need to help them to fight their own battles.
If your kid tells you about being cyber-bullied, make sure to document the harassment and bring attention to it. Sometimes with proof, it can be easier for the bully to finally stop their harassment.