No one deserves to be bullied. Ever.
If you’re being bullied or if you’ve seen it happen, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Bullying takes many forms: name-calling, teasing, threats, exclusion, and even physical violence. Sadly, many kids skip school just to avoid bullies. That’s not okay.
Sometimes adults don’t see it. Sometimes they even ignore it. But we’re not going to.
Let’s talk about what you can do.
Strategies for Handling Verbal Bullying
These approaches don’t fix the bully, but they can help protect you emotionally and sometimes even stop the behavior.
Agree and walk away
If someone insults you, try saying things like, “You might be right” or “Okay,” then walk away. This shows you’re not giving them power.
Ask questions
Try calmly asking things like, “Why do you say that?” or “What makes you think that?” This can throw them off and help you stay in control.
Use ‘Fogging’
Agree in a way that shows confidence. For example:
“You’re fat.” → “Maybe. I could probably exercise more.”
“You’re ugly.” → “I’m not everyone’s type. That’s okay.”
The Broken Record
Pick one calm response like “That’s your opinion” and repeat it each time. It shows the bully they can’t get to you.
If It Gets Physical or Dangerous
If someone threatens or hurts you, or makes you feel unsafe in any way, you must report it. Even if the first adult you tell doesn’t listen, keep telling until someone does. You deserve to be safe.
Who can you tell?
- A teacher
- A coach
- A counselor
- A parent or grandparent
- The principal
- The bus driver
- A police officer
- A trusted adult
Tell as many people as you need to. Just don’t stay silent.
No one has the right to harass or harm you because of your looks, your race, your beliefs, your personality, or anything else. Bullies often pick on others to feel powerful. That doesn’t make what they do okay, and it’s never your fault.
What About Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is real, and it’s serious.
What is it?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to hurt or embarrass you. It can happen through texts, social media, apps, email, or anywhere else online.
Who does it?
Anyone. Friends. Former friends. Strangers. Both boys and girls.
Who gets targeted?
Anyone. But it’s especially common against kids with disabilities, different body types, racial or cultural backgrounds, or LGBTQ+ identities.
What can happen?
Cyberbullying can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and trouble in school. Some kids stop going out or even attending class.
How do you stop it?
- Block the bully on all platforms
- Never respond or fight back online
- Take screenshots as proof
- Report it to a parent, teacher, or the police
- Remember: Cyberbullying is illegal. There are laws to protect you. Use them
Don’t ever believe what a bully says about you or anyone else.
Bullies want to drag others down. Sometimes it seems like they have a lot of friends, but those “friends” are often just scared of being the next target.
You have the right to feel safe. You have the right to speak up. You have the right to be treated with respect.
Don’t be a bully.
Don’t be a bystander.
Be brave. Speak up. Report it.
“Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied.”
— Barack Obama
Disclaimer:
CrimeFreeKids.com is intended to provide general educational and informational content to support children and teens who may be facing difficult life circumstances, including having a parent or loved one who is incarcerated. The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This includes but is not limited to legal, medical, mental health, or counseling services.
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