Practical Lessons
There are some practical lessons that can be applied to address a situation that involves bullying. Prevention skills are a good way to avoid a bullying situation. The following are some practical skills that a child can learn to help them in their situation.
Display a Confident Appearance
It is a fact that bullies prey on weakness. Confidence and strength are two traits that will repel a bully’s intentions. Walking with your head up, back straight, and displaying a calm demeanor can have positive results.
Avoid the Situation
Making efforts to avoid the situation is another great tactic. For example, if bullying is occurring on a school-bus, choose a seat that is away from the bully. If the situation cannot be avoided, set boundaries. While maintaining a calm demeanor, speak with intent. Let the bully know you have no intention of being a victim while not displaying aggression. Attempt to veer around the bully without resorting to violence.
Dealing with Verbal Abuse
Words can often be hurtful emotionally, but only if you allow them to affect you. Learn to put the aggressive words into context. Consider the source of the verbal abuse. If this is someone that you do not consider a friend, then do not pay attention to their words. A bully is looking for a reaction, and your response can often dictate their actions. If you learn to dismiss the negative comments, the bully may lose interest. Taking control of the situation by ignoring the verbal attacks can stop a bully’s advances.
Be Forceful in Gaining Help
Make sure that you are heard by adults when requesting help. If a teacher gives you the impression that they are busy or that you need to deal with the situation, be sure to let them know your feelings. The same goes for a parent. Adults have busy lives and sometimes feel that childhood issues are trivial in comparison to their problems. Be sure to let them know that this situation is causing you distress and that you need adult assistance in rectifying the situation.
Applying practical skills can help in a bullying situation. There is no simple fix to the problem, but taking appropriate measures can go a long way to diffuse the issue.
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