If you witness bullying

The following recommendations can help you take steps to stop bullying in your school or community. Of course, please do not do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or puts you in danger. There are plenty of safe and confidential ways to report your concerns:

• Approach the person who is being bullied and encourage him or her to leave the situation with you. 
• Try to get the person who is doing the bullying to talk with you in private. Tell them that the behavior is harmful and ask them to stop. 
• Get the support of other bystanders and act as a team to confront the bully. 
• Defuse the situation. Ask an adult to intervene and tell the bully to think about the consequences of their behaviors. 
• Talk to a trusted teacher, administrator or other adult about your concerns. 
• Offer support to the bully. Talk to him or her about why they are angry or upset and encourage them to reach out for counseling. 
• Resist joining in or laughing at the person being bullied – even if others are doing so.  
• Walk away and encourage others to do so as well. Don’t give the bully the attention he or she is seeking. 
• Use your cell phone to call or text for help if the situation escalates. 

References

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/what-you-can-do/index.html
• https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html

Contact your local guidance department if you witness or suspect bullying at your school.

• Gangs & violence 
• If you’re being bullied 
• Signs of bullying 
• Struggling in school 
• Suicide warning signs