Physical bullying

Are the actions that can cause physical harm to another person’s body, for instance slapping, hitting, kicking or pushing someone by another person or something. It also occurs when someone steal or destroy another person’s belongings.

What to do?

- Do talk to an adult or an older person you can trust

The one thing you should remember by keeping quiet will not make the problem go away. Talking to an adult does not make you weak or a tattle tale. It gives you the opportunity for a successful future and live, and the power to find help and put stop to a situation.

- Do stay away from areas where bullying is likely to happen

Bullies tend to bully in areas that are not patrolled by teachers, where there are not a lot of people and places that are off the beaten path. Try to avoid these areas, especially when you are on your own.

- Do stand up to the bully

Bullies usually continue to bully because they think you are afraid of them. The next time the bully makes a comment tell them to stop. Be brave when you do this. If you sound afraid they will continue to believe they can get away with their behaviour. When you confront a bully, do so in front of others in a place you consider safe. Quite often the bully will back off since they would rather prey on people who appear weaker than they are. Sometimes the bully may take even more offence of what you did to him/her in front of others and it might worsen the situation, so please if you do confront the bully be very careful of where you do it.

- Do stay calm and walk away

If the bullying is physical or antagonistic try to stay calm and just walk away. Don’t completely turn your back to the bully but turn away and keep walking. If the bully comes after you tell them to stop and then continue to walk away. Don’t get angry. A bully feeds on this kind of emotion and will continue to provoke you

What not to do?

- Do not think it is your fault

Bullies are people who bully for a variety of reasons. They are picking on you because they are bullies, not because you are someone who should or deserve to be bullied. So understand that it is not your fault.

Perhaps the things they are bullying you over however are true; maybe you are a band geek. Maybe you do wear glasses. Maybe your skin is a different colour. Maybe some of the things they say about you aren’t true. Either way, bullies don’t have a right to pick on you. It may be scary to tell an adult, but they can help the situation.

- Do not keep it to yourself

The worst thing you can do is keep the bullying to yourself. The bullies will feed on this and victimize you even more. When a bully realizes that you are unafraid to speak up and seek help they will usually leave you alone. If they don’t, then tell the adult again and they will escalate the situation and put a stop to the bullying.

- Do not fight back

When a bully bullies you, do not get angry and do not get drawn into a physical fight. Bullies want to show that they are physically stronger than others as a sign of superiority and control over others. Stay calm, walk away and tell an adult.

- Do not skip school or events

You have a right to a safe school environment and you should not skip schools or events to avoid a bully. By talking to an adult about a bully problem, they will ensure that school and events are safe and enjoyable for you.

- Do not hurt yourself

Bullies can make you feel bad about yourself. This is natural. But if the bad feelings escalate to the point where you feel the only way out is to hurt yourself, get help. Talk to an adult, a doctor, anyone and be honest about how you feel. They will help you.

- Do not become the bully

Even though it seems a way to let everything stop, it is NOT the answer. Remember the everything that you went through, is it truly worth it to make someone else go through the same feelings. Rather be the voice against bullying, for you can now talk with experience.

Physical bullying

Emotional Bullying

Verbal bullying

Cyber bullying

Prejudicial bullying

Sexual bullying

Physical bullying