Do You Wonder Why You Are Being Bullied?

Lots of teens face bullying every day, but that doesn’t make it right. You have a right to be yourself without getting bullied. Bullies pick their targets and victims for various reasons.
Many times their victims are:

  • Different from them in some way, whether it is interests, clothes, hair, weight or disability.
  • Those who are smaller in size to them
  • Those who are sensitive, quiet or shy
  • Those of whom the bully may be jealous of (perhaps you have better grades, are better at sports, or are more liked by peers or teachers etc.)

None of these reasons are valid reasons to be bullied. No one deserves to be bullied.

Watch this video explaining how bullies pick their victims:

[youtube id=”RV2CD4mMeJ0″ width=”600″ height=”350″]

How to stop being bullied

  • Walk away and get to a safe place
  • Avoid places where bullying has happened
  • Think of what you can say to someone who bullies you, and practise the line in front of a mirror. If you’re unsure about how it sounds, try bouncing it off a counsellor at Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
  • Stick with people who will stick up for you

How To Stand Up For Yourself

  • Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, a friend, a teacher, a counsellor or coach. Remember that confiding in someone is not the same as tattling, especially when it comes to your safety.
  • Work out a plan to put an end to it, together
  • Contact an authority, like a school principal or the police

Keep In Mind

  • You don’t have to be clever or tough. Walking away sends a powerful message.
  • Try not to lose your cool even if you’re upset
  • Fighting will make it worse. Try not to stoop to the bully’s level.
  • If you’ve tried a few different things to make the bullying stop, and it’s still happening, don’t give up. Talk to someone else, and keep trying.

When You Are Being Bullied, Remember…

  • It’s not your fault
  • It’s about the bully, not you
  • You don’t deserve to be bullied. You deserve to be safe.
  • It’s okay to ask for help
  • Keep your cool
  • Acting like you’re not upset is really hard.

Tips When Being Bullied

  • Stand up straight. Keep your head high.
  • Walk with confidence, even if you have to pretend
  • Use a calm voice

Are you a parent who’s kids are being bullied? Learn the effects of bullying and how to stop it.