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You're here, so you must be thinking that bullying is a pretty big problem.
You're right, it is! But what can you do about it? You can do a lot!
Whether you are being bullied, have seen kids being bullied, or you're pretty sure you have bullied others, there are plenty of things you can do to help stamp out bullying.
You as a group have the most power in your school to turn your school around and make it the best school you could possibly go to. --John Halligan
No matter how you've been affected by bullying, it's a good idea to talk to an adult. Talking to an adult is not 'tattling' or 'snitching'. 'Tattling' is telling on someone for the sole purpose of getting someone in trouble. 'Reporting' is letting an adult about a potentially dangerous or harmful situation.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Click here to learn more
Problems with bullying?
DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE
If you're having problems with being bullied it's important that you talk to a trusted adult about it. 
If you don't know who else to turn to call the
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000
Open 24 hours a day/365 days a year
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FRIENDS, FRIENDS
We are a group of kids who are left alone,
Upset every day as we head home,
We are shoved into lockers and pushed around,
We feel so scared we don't make a sound.
But if we have enough courage to stand up and say,
"It's not happening to me today",
Then we might meet new people and the violence ends,
What do you know, we made a friend.
Written for Parents United Against Bullying
Anonymous 15 year-old
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Whether you've been bullied, witnessed it happening to others or were the bully,
share your poem or story about your experience.
Writing is an excellent healing process,
and your story can help others who are experiencing the same thing.
Your poem or story might even be 'featured' on our web site.
Submit your poem or story here.
What is bullying?
We all know that punching someone or stealing from them are acts of bullying, but what about name calling or leaving someone out, or calling them 'gay' or 'fag'? A simple way to know is to ask yourself “How would I feel if someone did that to me"?
Maybe you say, "but I was only joking". Does the person it's happening share your view? Do they feel that it's only a joke? Or do they feel hurt by the things that are being said and done?
Click here to learn more about characteristics of children who bully.
Are you being bullied?
If so, we're glad you've visited our website, and we're proud of you for the courage it has taken for you to seek help. Not only are you helping yourself by being willing to discuss it, but you will also be making a difference for others as well. You are not alone. Chances are, other kids around you are being bullied too. Learn what you can do about being bullied and read about bullying statistics.
BYSTANDERS
"But I don't bully anyone, I just watch it happening." Sound familiar? Perhaps you're not the one doing the bullying. Perhaps your a bystander. Do you know how much power bystanders have? They can encourage the bullying, or help in resolving it. Bystanders (other kids watching) are present most of the time (85%) when there is a bullying episode in the playground or in the classroom. Most kids feel uncomfortable witnessing bullying, but very few intervene. When peers step-in, the bullying stops within 10 seconds (57% of the time).
Students who are bystanders to bullying can either be part of the problem, or part of the solution. Bystanders are a powerful majority at any school.
Bystanders play a negative role in bullying by:
Students have the power to help create safe and comfortable schools for themselves and other  students. You can use your social power and personal actions to promote respect. Even if you aren't close friends with the person who is being bullied, you can lend a hand.
"But what can I do?" Bystanders can play a positive role in bullying by:
- Recognizing bullying- it's not just physical, it can be social and verbal as well. Telling someone they're “ugly” is considered bullying and can be just as hurtful as hitting them.
- Assisting with carrying out anti-bullying activities and campaigns.
- Walking away- standing around will only encourage the bully.
- Reporting bullying when you see it happening.
- Speaking up. Tell the person to stop the bullying behavior. Say you don't like it and it isn't funny. Tell the bully that they are wrong and that you won't be involved in any bullying.
- Not following peer pressure.
- Helping the victim. Put yourself in their shoes, would you want someone to help you if you were being picked on? Talk to the person who was being bullied, saying such things as "I'm sorry about what happened," and "I don't like it." Help them understand it's not their fault. Be a friend. Invite the person being bullied to do things with you, such as sitting together at lunch or working together on a project.
- Choosing friends carefully.
Make a Difference!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead
Whether you are being bullied, have seen kids being bullied, or you're pretty sure you have bullied others, there are plenty of THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP change the culture that tolerates bullying and allows it to continue.
The Bullying Awareness & Prevention Alliance (BAPA) welcomes the opportunity to work with you to help make your school a place where you can live, learn and grow without fear of harassment or bullying. We're looking forward to working with you as you become involved in changing the culture that tolerates bullying and allows it to continue.
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