As the school year begins, take a moment to talk with your child about the following 10 ways they can help make the Cumberland County Schools a NO BULLY ZONE 

#1 – Tell Someone – Telling someone about the bullying is the most important step in stopping it.  Tell your parents, your teacher or a school counselor.  You should not have to deal with the bully alone, especially since he/she could become violent.

#2 – Avoidance – Avoid the bully. You still need to carry on with your normal routine, such as attending school, but avoid situations where the bully typically picks on you. Say, for instance, the bully usually bothers you on your way home from school. Try to take a different route home and avoid him/her.

#3 – Be Brave – Acting brave can sometimes stop a bully.  When you give an outward appearance of calm and don’t back down, the bully can see that you know how to stand up for yourself.

#4 – Don’t Fight Back – Fighting back only gives the bully what he/she is looking for — your reaction.  In addition, a violent reaction could get you in serious trouble.  Stand your ground, but do not be antagonistic.

#5 Don’t Be Emotional – Don’t let your feelings or emotions show.  If the bully makes you want to cry, don’t cry in front of him/her, this gives them the satisfaction that they hurt your feelings.  Wait until you’re away from the incident and with someone you trust to show your feelings.

#6 – Self-Confidence – Feel good about yourself.  Self-confidence often stops bullies in their tracks and helps keep you from being a potential target.  Do whatever makes you feel good, like joining an after-school sport or an art club.

#7 – Walk Away – Walk away from the bully when he/she approaches you.  Walking away takes a lot of confidence and this alone may deter a bully’s attacks.  Plus, by walking away, your’re telling the bully you don’t care about him/her or their actions.

#8 – Remove the Triggers - Take away whatever triggers the bully’s actions.  For instance, if the bully demands your lunch money every day, start bringing your lunch instead. Figure out what instigates the bullying and avoid it.

#9 – Find a Friend – Stick with a friend whenever you think you might run in to the bully.  He/she is less likely to lash out at you when you have someone by your side.

#10 – Be a Friend – If you see another kid being bullied, stick up for them.  A show of support emphasizes to a bully that their behavior won’t be tolerated by their peers.  Also, you will gain a friend in the process — a friend who will most likely help you out if you’re in the same situation.

Shared with permission from the CCS’ Counseling Department and the CCS’ Anti-Bullying Task Force.