EMPOWER

One of the the most difficult things to figure out the steps of what to do or how to stop someone being bullied. Some think ignoring it will make it just disappear or make it go away, but it doesn’t. It is hard to face bullies, or to tell an adult, friend. I discovered this amazing book “Confessions of a Former Bully”. This book is about a little girl named Katie who was the bully, but was also bullied. Katie found herself in a lot of trouble with the school officials about her actions, She had weekly counseling sessions to discuss a solution for both bullying others and being bullied herself. Her councelor, Mrs. Petrowski came up with something that is called an imaginary tool belt. I love this example and tips for anyone to use if they are being bullied.

TOOL #1

“STOP!”

Use the word “stop” whenever someone is bullying you. For an example, if someone is calling your mean things or making fun of you it is okay to tell them to stop!

TOOL #2

“WHY? WHY? WHY?”

When someone is calling you names or doing something that you do not understand why they are doing so ask them why? This will get them to confess on why they are calling you, or why they are doing what they are doing. It will eventually even up distracting the bully and make them just drop the conversation because they are realizing what they are doing is wrong.

TOOL #3

WALK AWAY

Some of the tools can be really hard to do, but this one is very simple. If someone is hurting you, saying mean things, or doing anything that can harm you just walk away or go to a safe place. No one should have to stand and take what they are doing to you.

TOOL #4

“SO”, “WHATEVER”, “HUH”, “WHO CARES?”

If anyone is calling you names just reply in a neutral tone with any of the words above. This tool can be hard not to be mean or rude back to them, so just be very careful on your tone and how you approach the situation.

TOOL #5

CHANGE THE SUBJECT

Whatever the bully is saying to you just reply back with something off of that subject. Ask them if they had a good day, or ask them about an event happening at school. Anything that is not the same subject that he or she is saying or calling you. This again will distract them.

TOOL #6

ACT SILLY OR GOOFY

The book states ‘don’t put someone down to build yourself up’. I love this because we do not need to fire back at the bully. It will just make things worse for everyone. Just distract them in a funny way.

TOOL #7

TURN AN INSULT INTO A COMPLIMENT

If they are being negative or calling you something negative, turn it into a positive. This sometimes can be uncomfortable or bothersome to do this exact tool, but it is okay. If you do not want to do it, don’t.

TOOL #8

AGREE

This is another tool that sometimes can be hard to do. Agree with them on what they are saying to you. This can make them realize that they do not need to say things bad to you like that or call you names because they notice that it does not bother you.

I personally think that these tools can make a difference. I want everyone to be able to feel comfortable in their own skin and know that no matter what others say about them. We cannot be afraid to stand up for ourselves and others around us. All we have to do are one of those eight tools or just go tell someone. I hope that all share these great tools with anyone; whether it is to a teacher to pass on to their students, a friend, or even a parent to pass on their children.