What to Do When Bullied in School: A Guide for Students
Introduction
Understanding the Dangers of School Bullying
Bullying is a serious and pervasive issue that can severely impact a student's emotional and mental well-being. It's important to understand the impact of bullying and the steps you can take to protect yourself. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, approximately 20% of students experience bullying in middle and high schools.My story serves as a cautionary tale. In my experience, I had to deal with two bullies during my elementary and middle school years. One in 3rd and 4th grade, and another in 6th grade. My regret was not speaking up to a teacher, as they are the ones who can intervene and provide the necessary support.
Dealing with Bullying: What Not to Do and What to Do
What Not to Do
It's understandable to feel scared, but it's important not to engage with bullies or try to solve the issue by fighting back.
One common advice is to just ignore the bullies, but studies show that ignoring the behavior often only leads to worsening the situation. According to a study published in the Journal of School Health, students who are bullied and choose to ignore or hide from the issue are more likely to experience increased bullying.
What to Do
Tell an Adult
The best course of action is to tell an adult immediately. This could be your teacher, principal, assistant principal, or a counselor.
It's crucial to inform the adult about the threats, as some bullies may threaten violence when confronted. For example, I once had a bully who threatened to beat me up if I told on them. But even in such cases, it's essential to make the adult aware of the threats.
Get Support from Parents
If you feel too scared to tell a teacher directly, you can inform your parents. They can then relay the information to the teacher or principal on your behalf.
Stay Proactive
Even if you feel as though the situation is under control, keep reporting the bullying to your parents or teachers. It's important to stand firm until the bully is held accountable.
Additionally, if there are other victims of bullying, encourage them to come forward as well. The more victims speak out, the more impact it can have on the bullies.
Steps to Take
Change Your Class
If you're in elementary school, consider changing classes if you are bullied by a student who is consistently unbearable. This can significantly reduce your exposure to bullying and help you maintain your psychological well-being.
According to the School Bullying Prevention and Engagement study by the University of Nebraska, changing classes can be an effective coping mechanism for elementary students facing persistent bullying.
Contact Authorities
In some cases, contacting school authorities or even speaking to local law enforcement might be necessary. While schools typically handle bullying internally, there are instances where external intervention is required.
It's important to document the incidents, gather evidence, and report the bullying to the school administration. This can create a paper trail that holds the bullies accountable and helps ensure your safety.
Conclusion
Never Feel Alone or Silenced
Remember, it's not your fault if you are being bullied. You are not alone, and there are resources and support systems in place to help you.
It's vital to speak up, seek support from trusted adults, and take steps to protect yourself. By doing so, you can regain control over your well-being and ensure a more positive and secure school environment.
Key Takeaways
Document the incidents and report them to the appropriate authorities. Talk to a trusted adult about the bullying, whether it's a teacher, principal, or a counselor. Support from parents can be crucial in handling bullying. Consider changing classes if the situation in your current class is unbearable. Contact law enforcement if the bullying involves threats of violence.By following these steps, you can take an active role in stopping bullying and creating a safer school environment.