Let's talk about
Bullying
For Students in Grades K-6
Did You Know...
That quietly watching someone get bullied can be as hurtful as doing the bullying? Have you ever seen someone be too mean or mistreat someone else at school? We see people being mean to others, and sometimes they go too far.
What is the difference between doing something mean and being a bully? Neither one is ok, but bullying means hurting someone on purpose and repeating that action. The actions might be using mean words or picking on someone to cause pain or to embarrass them. Bullies are usually not confident in themselves and try to look cool or tough in front of other people. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
If you are having problems with someone who is bullying you in person or on social media, please talk to a trusted adult. There are people at our school who care about you and want to help you. We call these our Go-To People. If you are worried about someone else who has been bullied, try to get that person to tell an adult. Even if they won’t tell, then you have to help them by telling an adult. Please don’t wait for the bullying to just stop because a lot of bad things can happen waiting for it to just go away. It may not be safe to wait!
The most important thing to remember is to BE KIND! If someone has different interests from you, that does not make that person wrong or stupid or weird. Those interests are the things they like to give their attention and energy to just as you have your own interests. If everyone liked the same thing, the world would be a boring place. We are all here to live together and love one another.
If each person shows respect and kindness to everyone else, then the world will be a much safer and happier place. Sometimes it can be hard to be nice all of the time when someone else is bothering you or making you feel frustrated, but in those times just do your best and be willing to apologize when you know you have hurt someone else with your actions or your words. It may also be helpful to consider your internet and social media habits. You may have to unfollow people who are negative or mean. It takes courage to stand up for what’s right, to speak out against bullying, and to admit when you have treated someone badly. Remember this includes how you express yourself in text, in videos, and on social media. We all make a difference one way or another. What kind of difference do you make? Be strong in heart and mind…Show your courage!
Student Tips
Use Your Voice
Stand up for yourself and tell the person who is hurting you that you will not allow them to treat you that way. Use your voice to also tell a trust adult. (see #2) If witnessing a bullying situation, be an upstander by speaking up for them and telling your Go-To person the situation.
Find your Go-To person immediately
Tell your Go-To person what is happening so that you can have support and protection from future incidences. This is not tattling, but protecting yourself from harm.
Be a Positive Peer
Choose your words wisely so that you can lift your peers up rather than bring them down. No one wants to ever be known as a bully.
Use Your Voice
Stand up for yourself and tell the person who is hurting you that you will not allow them to treat you that way. Use your voice to also tell a trust adult. (see #2) If witnessing a bullying situation, be an upstander by speaking up for them and telling your Go-To person the situation.
Find your Go-To person immediately
Tell your Go-To person what is happening so that you can have support and protection from future incidences. This is not tattling, but protecting yourself from harm.
Be a Positive Peer
Choose your words wisely so that you can lift your peers up rather than bring them down. No one wants to ever be known as a bully.