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DEPRESSION
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HOW CAN I TELL IF SOMEONE IS INVOLVED IN BULLYING?
Bullying includes actions such as name-calling and teasing, making threats, spreading rumors, hitting, kicking, or pushing someone, leaving someone from a group on purpose or telling other children not to be friends with someone. Bullying can happen in the school building or after school, in places like the playground or on the bus. It can also happen online or through text messages or emails. Kids who bully use their power to control or harm others. Kids can play different roles in bullying: some can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may see someone else being bullied. Sometimes kids may be a part of all these things.
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HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO GET HELP?
Helping a friend who is either a bully or being bullied can be challenging. It's perfectly normal to feel a many different emotions (unsure, confused, and angry) when you try to help someone, especially if they don't understand that you're trying to help. If your friend wants to talk, listen. Helping a friend does not mean you are responsible for fixing his or her situation. What you can offer is a listening ear. Be supportive and encourage them to get help from adults who they can talk to. Do not avoid the person. You do not have to have all the answers or be an expert - just be a good listener.
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WHAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL?
- If someone is being a bully, look at that person and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice.
- 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.
- Talk to an adult you trust. Don't keep your feelings inside.
- Stay away from places where bullying happens. Stay near adults and other kids.
- If you witness bullying on Whyville or another website, report it.
- Always think about what you post online. You never know what someone will forward. Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass anyone.
- If you feel like being mean to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.
- If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologize. Everyone feels better.
- When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop: Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust. Adults need to know when bad things happen so they can help. Saying something about the bullying is important.
- Be kind to the kid being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them.
- It is ok to talk to someone and let them know that you have been noticing changes. Use open-ended questions like "How are things going for you?"
- If you think a friend seems really sad because of bullying, encourage him/her to get help from an adult. Do not try to solve the problem yourself, but instead offer to help with making phone calls or going to appointments.
- When you are really worried about someone's safety, it is ok to talk to them about it. If you are worried about your friend's safety - ask and listen! Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
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WHAT MIGHT NOT BE SO HELPFUL?
- Ignoring bullying or pretending it's not happening
- Keeping your feelings or worries to yourself
- Going along with bullying to be popular or funny
- Bullying others online
Disclaimer: Material in Whyville's Wellness Center is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment,
nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. Whyville's Wellness Center urges families to discuss all information
and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.
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