For Kids  • Back to Bullying Bullying is: Any form of aggression where someone uses power to cause another person harm. A bully is a person who is purposely causing the victim harm or distress in some way. How do people bully? Use physical aggression e.g. kicking, hitting Damage to property e.g. rip your clothes, break something of yours Extortion/Blackmail e.g. threaten to beat you up if you don't agree to give the $$ Intimidation e.g. threats Teasing or insults Isolation e.g. threatens others to stay away from you Name-Calling e.g. "stupid" Taunting e.g. trying to get you to do something or retaliate Gossip/Spreading false rumours e.g. saying something to negatively impact a person's reputation Exclusion Sexual harassment Malicious phone calls Internet harassment Does bullying only affect the victim? No bullying affects everyone, the victim, the bystander, the bully and the community When is bullying most likely to occur? Most bullying takes place away from public places and adults. This makes it harder to recognize (e.g. back of school yard, behind buildings). How would you know that someone was being bullied? What signs would you look for? Shows lack of interest in going to school Refuses to go to school Takes unusual route to school Drop in grades Withdraws from activities Has torn or missing clothes Stops talking about friends and peers Plays alone or prefers to hang out with adults Stomach aches, headaches, panic attacks Sleeps much more or less than usual Appears sad, angry or scared after receiving a phone call or email How would you know a bully? What signs would you look for? Aggressive Impulsive, intolerant Power seeking Shows lack of remorse Thinks the victim deserves it Physically stronger Lies and manipulates Abuses animals Abuses siblings Has new possessions What would you do if you were bullied? Tell the teacher Stay calm Use humour or say something unexpected to throw them off Walk away Don't retaliate Try to ignore the bully Stay close to friends (bullies like to pick on people when they are alone) Keep a journal of the incidents, if things go on for a long period of time If you feel comfortable, confront the bully and tell him/her that you don't like what he/she is doing. Tell your parents Keep your chin up, bullies tend to get bored after a while and will start picking on someone else (Source: LGL Health Unit Healthy Choices teaching series for grade 7/8 students)