Kids: Help Put an End to Psychological Bullying
Recognize Psychological Bullying
There are lots of kinds of bullying — telling rumours, gossiping, name calling, ignoring someone, even laughing at someone else for the way they look or act — it’s all bullying and it’s wrong. Bullying doesn’t have to be physical to hurt!
Think about It
Pretend you are in the victim’s shoes. How would you feel? If you’d feel angry or sad, then chances are, so do they.
It's Not Just Teasing
Making someone feel bad and hurting their feelings on purpose isn’t teasing, it’s bullying. Just because it isn’t hitting doesn’t mean it’s okay.
Think for Yourself
Don’t just be part of the group if the group is picking on other kids. You don’t have to laugh or taunt just because the other kids may be.
Know Your Role
Be aware that by laughing along with a bully or encouraging a bully, you are participating and being a bully yourself.
Help the Victim
Make an effort to get to know kids who are picked on. If they seem sad or worried, tell them there is help available — they can tell a parent, teacher, or coach or they can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
Tell How You Feel
If someone is picking on you, tell them how you feel. Use “I statements” so that they understand that they are hurting you like: “I feel sad when you leave me out of the game at recess”.
Know Your Friends
Hang around with kids who know, like you do, that “words hurt”. You don’t need friends who make themselves feel good by hurting others.
Bullies need Help, Too
Be firm that any kind of bullying is wrong, but don’t ever be mean to the bully. Most times, bullies are bullies because they’re unhappy inside. Remember — they need help and understanding too.
Be a Leader
Take steps to teach about psychological bullying and all kinds of bullying in order to help put an end to bullying in your school. Talk to your teacher or principal and ask for help in setting up a “Say No to Bullying” campaign.