Although you’re going to deal with rude people your entire life, bullying is still a big problem among teenagers. Between cyber bullying, threats, fights, and taunting, bullying has taken on several different forms and is becoming more and more common.
There are several ways of dealing with bullies. Whether you are the victim or a witness, don’t just let it happen. You need to identify the situation, evaluate your relationship with the “bully,” find a solution, and use it as an opportunity to grow.
First of all, it is important to realize that there is a bullying situation. There can be different severities and levels of harassment. If somebody is physically or mentally abused, that is bullying. The general idea is that if a person or group is consistently making somebody else feel uncomfortable, it needs to be addressed. There are some threats or insults that can’t be laughed off every time, and it is your job to put an end to it.
Next, evaluate your relationship with the bully. Is it a friend that you can easily reason with? Or is it an adult who tries to overpower you? Using this evaluation can help you decide the best way to solve the situation. Sometimes, it can be easily resolved by simply talking to the “bully” and letting him or her know how you feel and that they need to stop. In other conditions, it is extremely necessary to bring in a trusted adult to help handle the circumstances.
Being bullied is never fun, but you should use it as an opportunity to grow. Don’t obsess over what the bully says, especially if they are known for saying mean things. Does this person’s opinion really matter to you? Realize that you matter, and that your self worth is stronger than anybody who tells you otherwise. Once you have been in a situation like this, it makes it easier to deal with other bullies or even help others who are struggling. It is your job to step up to bullying, and put an end to it once and for all.
Along the way, when dealing with this problem, be sure to keep your parents informed. Whether you can handle putting an end to the bullying on your own, your parents will truly know the best way to take care of it and will be able to guide and comfort you. If you need somebody to talk to about being bullied, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or any other hotlines to find help. You can also sign a petition to step up to bullying at http://www.
