Coping With Bullies by the Urban Young Actors

   

Many thanks to Martin Lucas who directed the video and the Young Urban Actors for helping with the filming and editing.

 

If you, or someone you know, is being bullied here are some useful tips:

  

Think Positive

• Use self-mottos: “I’m great at maths”, “This is who I am and I’m proud”.
• If you think people are talking behind your back distract yourself. Recite a poem or the alphabet, think about something fun like your birthday or holiday you went on.
• Imagine you’re inside an invisible suit of armour or a bubble where comments and looks just bounce off.

  

Act Positive

• Make your appearance as good as it can be – hair, clothes, shoes, being clean – it gives you confidence.
• Make eye contact and use strong positive body language.
• Take reinforcements such as friends and family in new or difficult situations.

  

Talk Positive

• Get yourself an explanation: “It’s just the way my face is. It doesn’t hurt”, “I’ve got eczema. You can’t catch it”.
• Take charge of the conversation. Ask a question, think of a relevant funny or interesting story.
• Say something humorous in response to inappropriate comments: “That makes two of us”, “It’s a same we can’t all be as perfect as you”.
• Say something assertive in response to inappropriate comments: “That’s unfair. I didn’t ask for your opinion”, “You don’t have the right to say that”.

  

If you see someone being bullied

• Call the person being bullied over to you. Ask if they’re ok or ask them to join you.
• Confront the bully (in a non-violent way) with or without friends.
• Tell a teacher, parent or other adult or encourage the person being bullied to do so.