How kids should deal with Bullying

Bullying is a problem that begins at an early age and goes on until adulthood. Often, the victims of bullying carry scars of their trauma throughout their lives. Bullying has become a major problem in the school and college systems of India today. In colleges, ‘ragging’ is considered a rite of passage, where senior students taunt and ridicule junior students in the name of ‘healthy interaction’. The performance of students in these ragging sessions determines how they will be treated for the rest of their time in college. In schools as well, students often target their weaker peers, often making fun of them for disabilities, their physical appearance or their academic performance. This phenomenon has gone beyond just fun and games as it results in many fatalities either by the victims committing suicide or during an incident of ragging or bullying. Thus, the Government of India has come up with certain laws in an effort to combat this issue.

Here are some other strategies to discuss with kids that can help improve the situation and make them feel better:

Avoid the bully and use the buddy system: Use a different bathroom if a bully is nearby and don't go to your locker when there is nobody around. Make sure you have someone with you so that you're not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the bus, in the hallways, or at recess — wherever the bully is. Offer to do the same for a friend.

Hold the anger: It's natural to get upset by the bully, but that's what bullies thrive on. It makes them feel more powerful. Practice not reacting by crying or looking red or upset. It takes a lot of practice, but it's a useful skill for keeping off of a bully's radar. Sometimes kids find it useful to practice "cool down" strategies such as counting to 10, writing down their angry words, taking deep breaths, or walking away. Sometimes the best thing to do is to teach kids to wear a "poker face" until they are clear of any danger (smiling or laughing may provoke the bully).

Act brave, walk away, and ignore the bully: Firmly and clearly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the hurtful remarks, like acting uninterested or texting someone on your cell phone. By ignoring the bully, you're showing that you don't care. Eventually, the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.

Tell an adult: Teachers, principals, parents, and lunchroom personnel at school can all help stop bullying.

Talk about it: Talk to someone you trust, such as a guidance counsellor, teacher, sibling, or friend. They may offer some helpful suggestions, and even if they can't fix the situation, it may help you feel a little less alone.