Stuff you should know if you're being bullied.

Most adults are not aware of just how much bullying and harassment goes on, but kids know! That's why it's important to tell adults at school or home when it happens.

Many people don't realize that some of the behaviours listed here are actually forms of bullying.and many of these behaviours are actually illegal (e.g., assault, extortion, slander, etc.).

Telling an adult about bullying is NOT WRONG, but bullying someone IS WRONG, and in some provinces bullies can even be fined $250 for bullying.

Types of bullying

What can you do if you are being bullied?

Resources

Bullying takes many forms:

Physical bullying -

• when someone hits, shoves, kicks, spits, or beats up on others
• when someone damages or steals another person's property

Verbal bullying -

• name-calling, mocking, hurtful teasing
• humiliating or threatening someone
• making people do things they don't want to

Social bullying -

• excluding others from the group
• gossiping or spreading rumours about others
• setting others up to look bad
• making sure others don't associate with the person

Computer bullying / Cyber bullying -

• using computer, e-mail or text messages to hurt someone's feelings
• making someone look bad
• threatening someone

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If you are being bullied.

Don't blame yourself. It is NOT your fault, you didn't do anything to deserve it and YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

• When it happens, try to stay calm & look confident. Look them in the eyes and tell them to stop. Get away from the situation as quickly as possible.


• Tell an adult that you trust - a parent, teacher, neighbour, counsellor, coach or friend. They can't help if they don't know there is a problem. Keep telling until someone listens and helps you. If you are anxious about talking to an adult, have a friend go with you.


• Go to a peer counselling or peer mediation program, if your school has one.


• Document the bullying or harrassment - keep a record of what happened, when, where, how often, who was involved, and who saw what happened. Also keep track of what has been done about it.


• If you are harassed on the computer or phone, keep a copy or write down what happened and when. Then tell an adult you trust. Consider changing email and phone numbers, and be careful who you give your numbers and address to.

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Resources:

If you are experiencing bullying or harassment, or you know someone who is, you'll find support and resources here:

www.bullying.org
Dedicated to increasing the awareness of, and the problems associated with, bullying and to preventing, resolving and eliminating bullying in society.

www.cyberbullying.ca
Website dedicated to creating a national proactive, educational initiative that will help make Canadians more aware of the cyberbullying, how to prevent it and what to do if you and/or those you known and care for are ever cyber bullied.

www.chatdanger.com
A site all about the potential dangers on interactive services online like chat, IM, online games, email and on mobiles.

www.kidshelp.sympatico.ca/en/informed/bullying/bullying.asp
Information on types of bullying, prevention and tips for kids and teens.

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Bullying can be really stressful and emotionally draining. You might wanna check out our information and tips for coping with stress to help you.

And remember, if you wanna talk, were here 2 listen.

Some provinces have introduced a $250 fine for bullying.

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