For instance, if you’re being bullied at school, go and stand with your friends or return to your classroom. Don’t retreat to the bathroom by yourself, where the bully might follow you.
Do your best to ignore the bullying by pretending not to hear or keeping a straight face and not even reacting to their taunting behaviors. The more reaction they will see coming from you, the more encouraging it is for them to keep bullying. Respond with one word, monotone answers. If someone makes up an elaborate insult and you just respond with “Cool” then it will make them look bad. Plus, it lets the bully know that you have tough skin and that they can’t get to you just by saying a few words. Do not get into a physical fight with the bully, no matter how angry you are. You don’t want to be the one who gets in trouble.
You might say, “This may come as a surprise, but I have been bullied. These kids at my school make up names and tease me. "
Show a trusted adult, your boss, or your HR department the evidence you’ve gathered. Stay professional and objective when you present your evidence.
You may have to file a complaint against the person if they refuse to take action. This may involve contacting their boss, or writing a letter to a local activist group who can represent your interests. [6] X Research source
Find a way to say something to the bully that feels right to you. Do not insult the other person in an act of revenge, and don’t argue with the bully as this feeds into their aggressive behavior. Whatever you say, be clear and direct. You might want to say something like, “I heard that you’ve been spreading rumors about me that aren’t true. It hurts my feelings that you would do that, and I need you to stop. ”
Remain calm by taking several deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. [10] X Expert Source Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 24 July 2019. Silently repeat a mantra, like “You can do this. " If you don’t feel confident, practice by looking in a mirror or role-playing with a friend.
Sometimes, being nice to a bully can catch them off guard. Using a friendly tone when you talk to the bully might work better than showing them you’re upset.
Bullies also often have cognitive distortions, which means that they see their situations in such a way that they truly feel they can justify their bullying behavior, even if we can see that it is wrong. Bullies like to rebuild their internal sense of control that they may have felt was lost. When they feel powerless and afraid, they show it through aggressive behavior because that’s what makes him feel more in control.
A true friend is someone who would stand up for you instead of believing a false rumor about you.
For instance, if two of your friends start gossiping about someone else, say something like, “Sarah has always been nice to me. I’d rather not talk about her while she isn’t here. ”
