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Sticking Up for Yourself

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Sticking Up for Yourself

Bullying should be taken seriously. Bullying can happen to anyone, anywhere, and can cause serious emotional, educational, and physical harm. This section of Next Step provides important information on facts and tips about bullying.

Get Smart About Bullying!

Having a plan to deal with bullying—whether it’s you, a friend, or classmate who’s being bullied—is an important step to help stop it.

Below you can learn more about bullying and how you can help protect yourself.

Who Is a Bully?

A bully is someone who:

  • Needs to be in control.
  • Lacks the ability to identify with the feelings of another.
  • May have been bullied him- or herself.
  • Typically comes from a family that permits aggressive behavior, lacks consistent discipline and harmony, shows little warmth, and isn’t supportive.

Why Do People Bully Others?

  • To get attention, feel superior, and control others.
  • They are or were victims of bullying.
  • They’re jealous or resentful.
  • They may have low self-esteem.
  • It makes them feel powerful.
  • They don’t know how to resolve social problems and conflicts peacefully.

Are You Being Bullied?

Here’s what you can do:

  • Talk to an adult who you trust. Sometimes bullying does not stop unless an adult gets involved. Also, remember that your parents are there to listen and to help.
  • If possible, ignore the bully’s behavior. (But don’t ignore the fact that it happened! You should still tell an adult.)
  • Practice what to say to a bully in front of a mirror or with your parents.
  • Tell the bully to stop. Then walk away.
  • Spend time in groups.
  • Use humor.
  • Participate in local hemophilia chapter events or camps, where you can get helpful advice from other kids and mentors.

Do not:

  • Physically fight back. Try to use your words instead, but don’t threaten the bully.
  • Lose your temper and return the bad behavior. Try not to tease back or call names.
  • Skip school or school activities.
    • The bully shouldn’t get in the way of things you enjoy!
  • Encourage other kids to gang up on the bully.
  • Let the bully get you down. Do not feel bad about yourself. It’s not your fault that the bully is picking on you.

Have You Seen Someone Being Bullied?

Here are some things you can do:

  • Ask the bully to stop.
  • If the bully does not stop, quickly look for an adult to help.
  • Try to help the person who is being bullied. Say kind words to the person who is hurt.
  • Show you do not agree with bully behavior by not joining in the laughter, teasing, or gossiping.
  • Volunteer to be a buddy to a new, younger, or quieter classmate.