Are you being bullied? Do you see bullying at your school? There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids you know safe from bullying.

Bullying is when one or more kids are mean or hurtful to another kid over and over. Kids who are being bullied might not be that good at standing up for themselves. Bullying affects lots of people. It affects the kids who are bullied, family members of the kids who are bullied, the kids who see the bullying, and the bullies themselves. Bullying is being mean and hurtful to other kids over and over. Sometimes the people being bullied have problems standing up for themselves. And sometimes, the bystanders (kids who witness the bullying) are too scared to stand up to bullies as well. Bullies like it when they get reactions out of the people they’re bullying. Sometimes kids act.

Treat Everyone with Respect

Bullies

Nobody should be mean to others.

  • Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone.
  • If you feel like being mean to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.
  • Talk to an adult you trust. They can help you find ways to be nicer to others.
  • Keep in mind that everyone is different. Not better or worse. Just different.
  • If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologize. Everyone feels better.

What to Do If You’re Bullied

Dealing With Bullies At School

Bullies

There are things you can do if you are being bullied:

Dealing With Bullies For Teens

  • Look at the kid bullying you and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice. You can also try to laugh it off. This works best if joking is easy for you. It could catch the kid bullying you off guard.
  • If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away. Don’t fight back. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot.
Kid

There are things you can do to stay safe in the future, too.

Game Over Dealing With Bullies Kids Fighting

  • Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone. They can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.
  • Stay away from places where bullying happens.
  • Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around.