Bullying is an act of a coward, yet it exists in every other setting around us – school, college, office, or public places. It doesn’t matter whether it’s physical, psychological or even cyber, bullying is a concern we all need to take very seriously!
Here are 5 ways to deal with bullying.
- Don’t let the bully intimidate you or get to your head.
Bullies thrive on making others feel weak and inferior. They love to see the fear in your eyes, because that somehow makes them feel superior, giving them an instant confidence boost. This simply translates to the fact that you are the source of their confidence. You are the drug they need to get their high. Just walk away, and see how weak they feel. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
- Talk to an adult or some authority you trust.
Do not think, even for a split second, that reaching out to an adult about the subject of bullying makes you weak in any way. The bully is the sick and weak individual who needs help, guidance, and counselling. By exposing the bully’s behaviour and having an adult communicate that their behaviour is unacceptable, you are doing the bully a favour. Not only the adult can help stop this unfruitful act, but can also help the bully get out of his mental shackles.
- Whenever you sense danger, move to a crowded area.
If people, other than the victim, stand up and discourage bullying, the bullying will stop. Bullies often get intimidated when they sense that you have support, and take the more logical step of backing off. If you’re a bystander to bullying, have the courage to say “leave them alone”.
- Don’t take the act of bullying personally.
Even though their approach might seem like they are attacking you personal grounds, it’s usually never about you. It’s about the bully trying to suppress his weaknesses, or the awful things possibly going on in their life. There are high chances that the bully is acting out the way he/she is because he or she feels unloved, abused, frustrated, or otherwise dominated or controlled. The bully’s actions can be seen as a cry for help. Stop and ask yourself “What must it be like in the bully’s world to have him or her do such horrible things to another person?”. Every action has a motive behind it, so try and find out what their motive might be.
- Help others around you.
Even if you haven’t experienced the problem of bullying, make sure you stop the action as soon as you sense one. Bullying is about pride or a mechanism of dealing with pain. Take that away from them and they have nothing.
Remember: Pulling someone down will never help you reach the top.