BULLYING

 

            Salesianum will not tolertate harassment or bullying of any type.  If your son experiences any harassment or bullying, please bring this to our attention immediately. 

 

        If you or your son is a victim of bullying or harassment, Salesianum will do everything we can to prevent it from occurring again.  The following are some hints/ideas on how to deal with kids who bully or harass.

 

Why do bullies bully??

Because they feel the need to make themselves feel tough or cool. Usually, they’ll pick on someone smaller than themselves.

Because they want to make someone else laugh or have fun. They want to fit in! They aren’t happy with who they are until someone gives them praise for being ignorant.

Because they have a need to feel “bigger” or “better” than other people. They believe that they have to "belittle" to be big.

Because they are angry and/or need revenge. They don’t know how else to control their frustration.

Because they want to see you get upset.

 

 

When does a bully know he’s won?

When you react emotionally. Don’t let him see you get upset.

When you DON’T stick up for yourself. Saying or doing nothing may make it worse.

When you look intimidated. Bullies are like dogs….they can sense fear.

When no one does anything to stop him.

 

Positive Responses to Bulllying:

Just ask him to stop. This is a good first step. And try to do this with as few people around as possible.

Be assertive. Stand up for yourself. Don’t let him push you around.

Don’t threaten him (especially if he’s bigger than you).

Ignore him. Sometimes a bully will stop if you ignore him.

Laugh at whatever they say.  Laugh out loud.  Make a scene.

“Own” the insult. “Nice haircut.”- bully

                                    “Thanks!” - you

Let someone know what’s going on. Getting suggestions from others could be exactly what you need. Also, if someone else knows what is going on, he/she can look out for you.

Stand up for a friend who is getting picked on.  True friends help out.

 

GOOD POINTS TO REMEMBER:

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE between someone laughing AT you and someone laughing WITH or NEAR you. Don’t always jump to the conclusion that you are the topic of a conversation.

If the “bullying” is getting to be too much for you, TALK TO SOMEONE. This is different than “telling” on someone. Take a look at all the recent school violence in this country. The kids who are bringing guns into school are the ones who were being harassed so severely, they saw no other option.

Stand up for yourself and/or a friend. Be assertive. Bullies love to walk on people. Don’t be a doormat.

 

            Other helpful websites on Bullying:

 

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