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 Handy's first rule
of dealing with Bullies is Stay Calm. Here is more on
how you can do this when confronted.
- Act
brave. When you're
scared of another person, you're probably not feeling your
bravest. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a
bully. If you walk by as though you're not afraid and hold
your head high, a bully may be less likely to give you
trouble.
- Ignore
a bully. Simply
ignoring a bully's threats and walking away robs the bully
of his or her fun. Bullies want a big reaction to their
teasing and meanness. Acting as if you don't notice and
don't care is like giving no reaction at all, and this just
might stop a bully's behavior.
- Stand
up for yourself. Kids can stand
up for themselves with words by telling the bully to stop
it, and then walk away. Kids also can stand up for each
other by telling a bully to stop teasing or scaring someone
else, and then walk away together.
- Be
a buddy. Kids who are
being bullied can use the buddy system. Make a plan to walk
with a friend or two on the way to school or recess or lunch
or wherever you think you might meet the bully. Offer to do
the same for a friend who's having trouble with a bully.
- Don't
bully back. Don't hit,
kick, or push back to deal with someone bullying you or your
friends. Fighting back just satisfies a bully and it's
dangerous, too, because someone could get hurt. It's best to
stay with others, stay safe, and get help from an
adult. (thanks to Kidhealth.org)
Handy is very
good a combacks when he is being bullied, but we all aren't so
great at it. Below are some lines you can practice and use
when bullies are trying to put you down. Remember these
are for situations where there is no threat of violence.
If there is every violence you must get away and report.
See below for how to use comebacks and the bullystoppers.com
disclaimer.
"You - You're
good!"
"Very
good!."
"Ok, I'm
hurt."
"What?
Again?"
"Is this your goal in life
or something?"
"Not getting tired of
this?"
"This.......
again?"
"Thank
you!"
"Grow up."
"Great try."
"That one
hurt."
"Sticks and
stones."
"Mission
accomplished."
"You are wasting my
time."
"Funny.....
funny. Laugh....laugh."
"And
with a smile on his face...."
"You're the
KING"
What? Are you
talking to me?
"Blah -
blah"
"New
material?"
"The real you can't
be this mean."
"You used to be a good
kid."
"That was kind of funny,
but stop."
"Using me for laughs
again?"
"I hope no one is doing
this to your little brother."
"Words."
"Ouch!."
These comebacks are from
bullystoppers.com (Disclaimer) Comebacks
are not for everyone! Comebacks can be helpful when dealing with
mean kids, however, kids should practice comebacks with an
adult. Comebacks don't stop bullying, BUT
they can increase confidence, which can discourage
bullies. Comebacks is not a return
insult! Never us a
comeback if a kid may become challenged or
violent!
here's advice on using
comebacks:
The key to comeback lines is
to remain COOL and AVOID the temptation to trade name
calling or personal insults with the bully or
teaser. A great comeback line is brief and to the point
and leaves the bully or teaser feeling that they did not get
to you! Don't forget to always look them in the eye and
keep cool - anger is a sign to them that what they are doing
is working. Try some of the following, however
always remember: if another
student is threatening physical violence toward you, don't say
anything to him or her
- do your best to get away from the situation and to where a
teacher or other adult is located.
Important link,
Stop Bullying
Now.org is
a government site that has good tips for younger kids and
info. Stopbullyingnow.com is Stan Davis site.
His programs also help schools.
Important
link, Parry Aftab is a
lawyer and internationally known authority on cyberbullying.
Her main site is: www.stopcyberbullying.org.
This is your first stop for common sense information on
stopping this huge problem. Plus, check out her wildly
popular blog at: http://parryaftab.blogspot.com/.
She has also reviewed my
book!
Important
link, Please click
here also to read the story of Mike Neuts if you ever want
to know why it is important to stop bullying. I
recently did a radio show with Mike and as I talk to the
self-esteem of many a young person bullied. Mike's story
has changed thousands of Bullies into people of
compassion. Mike and I agree on so many points, but he
will suffer with his bully story every day of his
life.
Cool
link: Forgotten books is the
place to get all of those rare and important books you just
can't find. www.forgottenbooks.org
Good
information link: This
is out of the UK and specializes in Technology issues.
www.atechnologysociety.co.uk
Wonderful
slide show:
This is a slide show directed at scouts, but the information
is fantastic for all adults trying to use common sense to stop
bullying and teach students. Prevention
and Intervention Tips for Scout Leaders and
Parents. I loved
this and not only because he used my book as a reference to
put it together.
Elizabeth has a story: And it's
all about stopping peer abuse. Look here for some great books
and info. http://www.peerabuse.info/ | 
