Nobody has the right to be a bully and nobody deserves to be bullied. If you're a victim of bullying, then you need to take stock of what's happening to you and understand what you can do to try and make things better. Don't ignore the situation and don't be ashamed, it isn't you who has the problem, it's the bully. Don't put up with it, take control and follow our "beat the bully" guidelines!
Bullying takes on many forms such as:
- Name calling
- Hitting/punching
- Theft of property
- Damage of property
- Rumour spreading
- Intimidation
- Cyberbullying - bullying via e-mail, instant messaging, social network sites
- Virtual bullying - bullying by text or mobile phone
There's no definite reason why people bully others. Sometimes it may be because there is something different about you that makes you different from the bully - maybe you're a hard worker, maybe you're popular or maybe you look different. No matter what the reason is, it's important to realise that our differences are what make us unique.
To those on the outside, the effects of bullying are not always obvious - there isn't always a physical mark. In reality, the effects can run much deeper. You may feel stressed, you might not sleep well, you may be ill and you will probably feel like you don't want to go to school.
If you feel like this, then it's time to take action, it's time to beat the bully.
Beat the bully
STEP 1 - Tell a friend, tell your parents and tell your teacher. If you don't do this, the bullying won't stop. They will listen and work with you to sort out the problem.
STEP 2 - Keep records. Make notes of everything that happens. Write down dates, times and details of the incidents and keep passing these on to your teacher or the headteacher.
STEP 3 - Take back the power! A bully thrives on having control. Take back the power from them by acting more confidently, hanging around with friends or a supervisor during breaks and most of all, don’t fight back and don't show them they're getting to you. Fighting back makes the bully think they've definitely got to you. Try all these things and you might just remove the enjoyment the bully seems to get by upsetting you!
STEP 4 - Keep the power! The bully is now losing his hold on you. Feel good about this! Keep your confidence up, maybe take up a new hobby - how about martial arts or another sport? Do this and you’ll be happy and healthy in body and mind and make new friends in the process!
Cyberbullying and Virtual bullying
In the modern world, unfortunately bullies have found new ways to hurt their victims. Bullying people via technology is known as cyberbullying or sometimes virtual bullying.
Cyberbullying is bullying via:
- E-mail
- Instant messenger (MSN)
- Chatrooms
- Social network sites such as Bebo
- Mobile phone (telephone calls or texts)
- Interactive gaming (online X-Box or PS3)
Cyberbullying is no less serious than being bullied at school. The effect on you can still be significant, so don't ever blame yourself or think that no-one will listen to you.
Make sure you tell someone what is happening, show people the evidence if you have any (print out e-mails, save texts and voicemails), report bullying texts and e-mails to your service provider and don't stoop to the bully's level. Seek advice and stay positive. You can beat the bully!
