In this section, learners will learn and practice coping strategies for dealing with bullying situations. These strategies may include assertiveness training, problem-solving skills, and seeking support from trusted adults and peers. We propose set of strategies and techniques aimed at addressing and preventing bullying. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that is intentional, repetitive, and involves an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and victim. It can happen at school, work, online, or in any other social setting.
The strategies for dealing with bullying can be broken down into three main categories: those for victims, those for bystanders, and those for parents.
Strategies for victims include:
- Speaking up: Encouraging victims to speak up and tell someone they trust about the bullying. This could be a teacher, counselor, parent, or friend.
- Building self-confidence: Helping victims to build self-confidence and resilience, which can make them less vulnerable to bullying.
- Avoiding the bully: Encouraging victims to avoid the bully, if possible, by changing their route to school or sitting with different people at lunch.
- Seeking professional help: Encouraging victims to seek professional help if the bullying is having a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
Strategies for bystanders include:
- Speaking up: Encouraging bystanders to speak up when they witness bullying. They can do this by telling a teacher, counselor, or other authority figure.
- Offering support: Bystanders can offer support to the victim by standing up for them, showing kindness, and being a friend.
- Refusing to participate: Bystanders can refuse to participate in the bullying behavior and make it clear that they do not condone it.
- Getting involved: Bystanders can get involved in anti-bullying initiatives and work to create a culture of kindness and respect in their school or community.
Strategies for parents include:
- Listening to their child: Parents should listen to their child if they report being bullied and take their concerns seriously.
- Taking action: Parents should work with the school to address the bullying and ensure that their child feels safe.
- Teaching resilience: Parents can teach their child resilience by encouraging them to build self-confidence, problem-solve, and seek help when needed.
- Being a role model: Parents can model kindness, empathy, and respect in their own behavior, which can help to prevent bullying.
