How can you tackle bullying?

Bullying is a serious social problem that has gotten worse over the years (especially with the rise of the internet and social media). According to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, 1 out of 5 students between the ages of 12 and 18 are bullied every year. Now that school’s back in full swing, how do we students stop this from happening?

#1: Know when it’s happening and what to do

If you notice that bullying is happening, it’s always important to know the solution. Tell an adult immediately. It doesn’t matter if it’s a coffee shop employee or a retired veteran. If there are no adults around, you can always try to step in and take charge. Try to stop the bully (no physical combat necessary) from hurting the victim so vigorously. Lend a helping hand.

#2: Know that you’re the bigger person

If you’re the one who’s being bullied, remember that you’re the bigger person and ignore the bully. They either want you to feel smaller so they feel bigger by spitting out random insults at your face, or they just want to squeeze a reaction out of you. If you refrain by saying something hurtful back, you get the satisfaction of knowing you are in the right.

#3: It’s important to know what the bully is going through as well

This may sound ridiculous, but bullies may suffer from things as well. They may have felt small, been betrayed badly, or lost many good friends in the past and still struggle with those traumas today. You don’t have to see the good in a meanie or be best buds with a bully. Heck, you guys could still have beef in 2 decades, but know that some large, scary, and mean people that attack people could have a small and sad little kid inside.

#4: Never end your journey

Bullying can cause all kinds of negative consequences: whether it’s people feeling humiliated or even something as extreme as committing suicide. Know to never give up on your dreams even if you’re dealing with bullying. You can break any wall that defines you. It doesn’t matter how large the wall is. Don’t fall apart when you’re almost to the top. And with some help from your peers, you could potentially reach for the stars. Together, we can take a stand!