The document defines bullying as deliberately hurting or being mean to someone repeatedly. It discusses different types of bullying like physical, verbal, and social bullying. The document emphasizes that bullying is a serious problem that can cause lasting harm. It provides tips for how to handle bullying situations, including telling an trusted adult. The overall message is that everyone deserves respect and bullying should not be tolerated.

1. What is Bullying?
It is hurting or being mean
to someone- repeatedly
and on purpose. Bullying
comes in many forms.

2. Types of Bullying
 Physical Attacks:
 Such as hitting, pushing, or
kicking.
 Verbal Attacks:
 Such as unwanted sexual
advances, gestures or
remarks.
 Social Bullying:
 Which may involve
spreading rumors or
leaving people out of
groups or activities.
*Anyone can bully- or be
bullied.

3. Why Should I learn about
Bullying?
Because it’s a serious problem. It can
lead to a lot of lasting pain and
unhappiness.

4.  People who are
bullied:
 May feel bad about
themselves, which can
make it hard to
concentrate and learn.
 People who bully:
 May grow up to have
trouble in school, at
work, and with the law
*Young people need to
know that adults are
ready to help.

5. Some Facts about Bullying:
 People Who Bully:
 May do it because they are
 Angry
 Frustrated
 People Who Are Bulled:
 May keep to themselves, This makes them easier
targets than people who are surrounded by friends.
 If people who bully think someone is weaker, they
may target that person. Or, they may target someone
they are jealous of.
 Bullying Can Happen:
 At a school or on the school bus
 At a park or playground
 At home
 In “cyberspace”

6.  Bullying Isn’t Just Part of Growing Up:
 There have always been people who bully. But that
doesn’t make bullying OK. Bullying hurts everyone-
including those who bully. And everyone can help stop
the problem.
 Adults Can Help:
 It’s good to learn how to handle arguments and avoid
fights on your own. But sometimes adults give you
advice on how to handle a bullying situation.
 Fighting is Never the Answer:
 Don’t believe what you see on TV or in the movies.
Fighting and violence lead to more pain and shame-
and possibly serious injury. There are much better
ways of dealing with bullying.

7. When Someone Bullies,
Everyone Feels the Effects
 Fear:
 Bullying makes everyone
afraid- even those who
aren’t targets. No one
knows who will be bullied
next.
 Shame:
 The person who is bullied
may feel worthless and
powerless, And someone
who witnesses bullying
may feel ashamed for not
doing something to stop
it.
 Hopelessness:
 If bullying isn’t stopped,
some people may think
that nothing can protect
them from harm.

8. Effects Continued
 Violence:
 Remember- violence is never a good way to deal with
bullying. It can only make the problem worse. And
carrying a weapon may lead to more trouble.
 Loss of Freedom:
 Fear of bullying may cause some people to avoid certain
places or activities. Avoiding people who bully affect your
success or the fun you have at school.
 Absence from School:
 Some people may become so frightened of bullying that
they stop going to school altogether. In fact, fear of
violence is a major reason for dropping out of school.
*Don’t wait until bullying gets out of hand. Seek help
right away!

9. How to Handle Bullying:
 Tell the Person to Stop:
 Stand tall and look the person in the eye. Speak
calmly and confidently. You could say:
 “Leave me alone”
 “Don’t say that to me”
 Then walk away.
 Keep your Cool:
 People who bully want to see you upset.
Disappoint them by keeping a lid on your emotions
until you’re someplace safe. This shows that the
person’s words and actions don’t have power over
you.
 Practice Makes Perfect:
 It’s hard to say when you’re scared and under
pressure. Practice ways to respond to bullying-
before trouble occurs.

10.  Don’t Fight Back:
 Fighting is not a good way to deal with bullying. Someone is
likely to be hurt physically or emotionally. You could also
get in serious trouble. Focus on how to avoid violence
instead.
 Don’t Trade Insults:
 You may be tempted to insult someone who had insulted
you. But you shouldn’t “trash talk.” It may lead to physical
violence.
 Talk to an Adult you Trust:
 For example, tell a parent, teacher, or counselor about the
bullying. He or she may be able to help stop it. Remember
it’s not your fault and it’s OK to tell!
*Targets of bullying never “deserve” it. What everyone
deserves is respect!

11. More Tips on Handling Bullying:
 Use Humor:
 Saying something funny can help relax a tense situation-
and give you the chance to get away safely.
 But try not to cause embarrassment, If you make fun of
or humiliate the person bullying, especially in front of
others, it may only add to his/her anger.
 Stick with friends whenever possible:
 There’s safety in numbers. People who bully are less likely
to target a group.
 Stay Safe:
 If the person who is bullying has a weapon, or if you’re
afraid for your safety, don’t argue or fight back. Get help
fast! Go someplace safe and tell an adult right away.
*If you’re bullied online, do not respond. Tell an adult
immediately.

12. If you see or hear bullying:
 Don’t laugh at or join:
 The teasing or gossip. This shows that you oppose
bullying.
 Find others who don’t support bullying
 And speak up together.
 You could say:
 “Cut it out.”
 “That’s disrespectful.”
 “That’s not funny.”
 Offer your support
 To the person who was bullied. You could say a few
kind words in private, or ask if he/she is OK. Small
gestures can mean a lot.
*Bullying doesn’t have to rule the school. You can help
erase it!

13. Being the Target of Bullying Isn’t easy
 Get Help:
 There’s nothing wrong with getting help with a
serious problem. If you or someone you know is
the target of bullying, tell a parent, a teacher, or
other adult.
 Talk about your feelings:
 If you feel hopeless, depressed, or lonely, don’t
keep those feelings bottled up. A parent, school
counselor, or other trusted adult can help.
 Relieve Stress:
 Exercise is a good way to stay healthy and relieve
stress. It can also help you feel better about
yourself

14. Built Your Self-Esteem
 Know Your Strengths:
 Everyone is good at
something. Spend sometime
thinking about what you can
do well. Give yourself some
credit.
 Set Goals:
 Having goals and working
for them can help you feel
successful. Set challenging
goals, for example getting
better grades or making the
team.
 Start a Hobby:
 Special interests and
activities give you a chance
to enjoy yourself. They help
you gain new skills. And
they can help you meet new
people who like the same
things you do.

15. Where to get Help
 Community Youth Programs:
 Any program that helps build confidence and friendships will
help make you a less likely target for bullies. Look into:
 Boys or girls clubs
 Religious Organizations
 Scouting programs
 Counseling:
 Remember, if you’re having trouble dealing with your
feelings, ask for help. Counseling may be available from a:
 School counselor
 School support group
 Private therapist
 The Internet:
 Visit these helpful websites:
 www.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov
 www.GetNetWise.org

16. Say Goodbye to Bullying!
 Understand
 That bulling is a serious
problem.
 Learn
 How to respond when a person
starts bullying.
 Offer Support
 To people who are bullied.
 Tell
 An adult if you or someone you
know is being bullied.