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Youth Research Unit (YRU)

Guidelines for preventing bullying

Learners

  • Be part of the solution. If you’re watching a bullying incident, you’re part of the problem. Tell the bully that what they’re doing is wrong and that you won't get involved.
  • Tell someone you trust if you’re being bullied.
  • Report to adults who can help, listen and act.
  • Get involved in a school bullying-prevention initiative.
  • Speak about bullying prevention at school assemblies, join in events like workshops and role-playing that teach bullying-prevention skills and be a leader for younger kids.
  • Don’t fight the bully.
  • When bullied stay calm and don't fight back.
  • Avoid vulnerable situations. Walk to school earlier or later in the day, or walk with brothers, sisters, neighbours or friends. Don't be alone in hallways, restrooms or empty classrooms.
  • Never give out or share personal information online, including your name, the names of friends or family, your address, phone number and school name. Personal info also includes pictures of yourself and your email address. Never tell anyone your passwords.
  • Don’t reply to messages from cyberbullies.
  • Don’t erase or delete messages from cyberbullies but keep them as evidence for the police, Internet service providers and/or telephone companies who can use these messages to assist you.

Parents

  • Listen to children. If someone tells you bullying is taking place, take action to stop it.
  • Let children know you are there to support them and you will do all you can to help them feel safe.
  • Reassure children who are being bullied that bullying is not their fault.
  • If someone is exhibiting bullying behaviour, let that person talk about his or her experiences, and offer support in a nonjudgmental way.
  • Be a positive role model. Set a good example, reinforce positive behaviour and create constructive leadership situations.
  • Set consequences. Make bullying unacceptable.
  • Work with teachers to prevent and stop bullying and get involved in school bullying-prevention initiatives.
  • Share your concerns about bullying and your ideas for preventing bullying with the school.
  • Participate in community planning committees and know the procedure to use when bullying has occurred.
  • Take a leadership position in preventing bullying by developing and implementing a bullying-prevention initiative at home.
  • Monitor cellphone and Internet usage of children.