Dodging Bullies

Since bullies will probably be with us until our stellar parenting and leadership skills kick in, we all need to learn how to avoid being victims.

Bullies are predators who pounce on those who exhibit weakness.  These perceived weaknesses can be in any area (physical, social, intellectual, etc.).  Someone is short, someone is overweight, someone is uncoordinated, someone is alone, someone won’t swear, someone can’t read, someone got all A’s, someone has dyslexia…

Depending on the bully, the weaknesses they prey upon differ.  Even strengths – like not swearing or getting all A’s – can be seen as a difference and, therefore, a weakness.  We can’t escape being different, so here are a few ideas to make us less likely to be targeted (taken from an anti-bullying presentation sent to me by a Grade 9 teacher):  a) Don’t bring expensive things to school.  b) Avoid unsupervised areas and try not to walk alone.  c) Act confident.  Hold your head up, stand up straight, and make eye contact.  d) Avoid places where bullying happens.

If you find yourself being bullied:  Ignore them.  Don’t look at them.  Pretend you didn’t hear.  Don’t show that you are angry or upset.  Turn the comment into a joke.  Respond to the bully firmly.  Remove yourself from the situation.  Turn and walk away.  Go to where an adult is.  Tell an adult.  Talk about it with someone you trust.  Write down any incidents.

The key is to take away the bully’s power.  Act like their bullying has no effect.  I stink at this.  I’m the type of person who lies in bed at night coming up with brilliant retorts a few hours too late.  If you’re like me – or even if you’re not – tell an adult or someone who can do something about the bullying.  This is not being a tattle-tale.

Take back the power!