Curriculum

The Victim

You are not alone

If you are getting bullied, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

It happens to more kids than you think - girls and boys of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.

Please know that none of this is your fault.

And please know that it doesn't have to be this way.

Why you should tell someone

If you are getting bullied, you might not tell anyone because you:

  • Don't recognize it as bullying
  • Are embarrassed
  • Don't want to appear weak
  • Fear retaliation
  • Don't know how to talk about it (or with whom)
  • Don't think anyone can help

While this is understandable, you should know that bullying is never acceptable. It needs to be brought to light so it can be stopped. So tell a trusted friend or adult. Otherwise, the bullying is likely to continue - and you and others will continue to be impacted by its devastating effects.

How bullying hurts: The harmful effects of being bullied

If you are getting bullied, you might:

  • Not want to go to school
  • Find it hard to do your homework
  • Lose your confidence
  • Feel tense and anxious
  • Get headaches or stomachaches
  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Become depressed (sometimes, to the extreme)

If you experience any of these things, please tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult immediately - they can and will help you.

You have friends and adults around you that can help stop the bullying.

Stand strong: How to respond to bullying

When faced with demands from bullies, don't give in - that only rewards the bully and makes him or her want to continue the bullying.

And don't retaliate - that may provoke the bully and lead to violence.

Instead, try to respond with self-confidence and assertiveness. YOU have the power to stop the bullying.

Here are some specific ways that will help you Stand Strong in the face of bullying:

  • Take a deep breath and let the air out slowly
  • Sit or stand tall, head up
  • Keep your hands at your sides rather than on your hips or folded across your chest
  • Have a relaxed and purposeful expression, not angry or laughing
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Speak with a calm voice, loud enough to be heard clearly
  • Use non-provocative words and a confident tone of voice
  • Avoid name-calling or making threats
  • Avoid finger pointing or other threatening gestures
  • Reply briefly and directly

Stand strong: 3 more response options

If you are getting bullied, you have several other ways that you can respond:

  • Just walk away - sometimes the best response is no response

  • Protect yourself and find a safe place (like a favorite teacher's classroom). Remember, the first priority is always your safety

  • Get help from a friend or trusted adult who can help you figure out effective ways to respond and stop the bullying

Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.