How Can You Take a Stand Against Bullying?

It isn't a surprise to find out that bullying has become almost an epidemic in today's world. It has become so much easier to become a bully because of the ease of access to people's weaknesses or differences through social media.

If you read this and you do not fully understand the effects of bullying you might want to check out those first, so that way you have a fully grasp on why this topic of Taking a Stand Against Bullying is so important.

I want to take the time to break down a few things you should keep in mind when trying to stand up to bullying and the importance of each one. Being a bystander and just "accepting" that bullying is "normal" is not going to cut it, and you should know that being a bystander can be just as harmful as being the bully themselves...it is your and our responsibly to inform our kids about the different Types Of Bullying and how we can Take a Stand!

It is important that your kid understands the environment that they are in and are well prepared for bullying. One of the best things that you can do is to explain to them why it is important to have a group of friends and what it does to prevent bullying.

Benefits of having a group of friends that are there for you:

• Promotes Courage
• Compassion
• Keeps you from feeling alone

Motivate them to make the right friends in school and travel in that group especially when going through “bully territory.” Work on them collaboratively to develop how they can make the right friends. This is a good way to take a stand against bullying.

Watch Lion King with them once. Get to the part where Simba tries to roar as a cub in front of the three hyenas. After that scene is done, pause the movie and have a short discussion to explain to them how those hyenas represented bullies and what a strong voice can do and that violence isn’t the answer. Also assure them that if things get out of hand, adults that you know are always there to help.

When your kids take a stand against bullying it usually involves standing up for themselves and being assertive. Bullies will back off when your kid is assertive and shows that he is not the easy target that they are searching for. Help them practice their “roar” and when it really matters, they’ll be able to do it in front of those bullies.

Awareness of the surroundings is an important part of evading a potential bullying situation. Tell them to lose their phones when walking in and around school, home or elsewhere.

• Do they see a rough group of boys around the school?
• Is the guy in the car near the Carl’s Jr. keeping an eye on them?
• Is there a car near the bus stop that shouldn’t be there?

If the kids know that have to steer clear from these areas when they can, and trust that uneasy feeling in their stomach, they can avoid bullies as well as potential mugging or assault attempts.

Lastly, tell them that they can take a stand against bullying when they step away from a bad situation going worse.

They often don’t realize that

• stepping away from a fight is the right thing to do most of the times.
• They think it is cowardice to turn away

So, remind them that it takes a lot of courage just to step out of a bullying situation when it’s becoming worse.