What can I do if I see someone being bullied?
Previous Page

Listen to Lesson

Next Page
Bullying page 05

What can I do if I see someone being bullied?


All of us can choose to step up and try to make a difference. In most bullying situations, bystanders constitute the largest group.

That means we have a lot of power if we choose to use it positively.


Speak Up Against Bullying:

If you’re an observer and can safely support the person being bullied – do it! For example, if you hear people making racial comments, don’t ignore it. Tell them that’s not appropriate or funny. Ask them to stop.

Get Help:

If you believe your safety is in jeopardy, trust your fear. It’s protecting you. Keep yourself safe and still assist those being bullied by getting help. Go to the nearest adults and tell them what’s going on. After the fact, let those who were bullied know you think what

happened was unfair. Be open to listening if they want to talk more about it.


Here’s a way to help even more students.


Ask for a meeting with the principal to discuss your current official school policy. If specific, reasonable procedures aren’t in place to handle bullying situations, volunteer to serve on a committee to help design one. Make sure there are other students, parents, teachers, and administrators on the committee. Work toward developing a graduated approach to

infractions so that when someone breaks a rule, there’s a plan to follow for a first offense, second offense, etcetera.

Unless the first offense is very serious or illegal, the first response might be documenting everything, reminding students of the rules, asking for cooperation, and letting them know that they’ve been put on a “watch list.” Then it’s up to the school to make sure all relevant staff members know WHAT’S going on and WHO needs close supervision.

A second offense might warrant calling parents, taking disciplinary actions such as

assigning lunch detention, and visiting the school counselor or whoever in that building is supposed to help. Youngsters can change their negative behavior.

A third or subsequent offense might earn additional calls home or meetings with parents. More severe disciplinary action (including suspension), mandatory counseling, etcetera.


Why is all this necessary? Because having a plan in place that teachers consistently follow and students can depend on

results in HAPPIER kids and LESS bullying behavior!

Previous Page
Next Page