#KindnessCountsDCSD
Bullying
BULLYING is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Stopbullying.gov. No single act of bullying, harassment or intimidation will be ignored.
Bullying is not mutual conflict between students.
There must be a real or perceived imbalance of power whereby the bully seeks to impose authority and inflict harm on an innocent student.
Per DeKalb County School District policy and procedures, principals will ensure that their schools investigate and document all reports of bullying and follow established protocols to ensure compliance.
Resources
Advice for Students
If you are being bullied . . .
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Talk to your parents or an adult you can trust, such as a teacher, counselor, or principal. Many teens who are targets of bullies do not talk to adults because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful, and they believe they should be able to handle the problem on their own. Others believe that involving adults will only make the situation worse. While in some cases it is possible to end bullying without adult intervention, in other more extreme cases, it is necessary to involve school officials and even law enforcement. Talk to a trusted adult who can help you develop a plan to end the bullying and provide you with the support you need. If the first adult you approach is not receptive, find another adult who will support and help you.
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It is not useful to blame yourself for a bully’s actions. You can do a few things, however, that may help if a bully begins to target you. Do not retaliate against a bully or let the bully see how much he or she has upset you. If bullies know they are getting to you, they are likely to continue the behavior. If possible, stay calm and respond evenly and firmly or else say nothing and walk away. Sometimes you can make a joke, laugh at yourself, and use humor to defuse a situation.
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Act confident, hold your head up, stand up straight, make eye contact, and walk confidently. A bully will be less likely to single you out if you project self-confidence.
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Try to make friends with other students. A bully is more likely to leave you alone if you are with your friends. This is especially true if you and your friends stick up for each other.
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Avoid situations where bullying can happen. If possible, avoid being alone with bullies. If bullying occurs on the way to or from school, you may want to take a different route, leave at a different time, or find others to walk to and from school with. If bullying occurs at school, avoid areas that are isolated or unsupervised by adults and stick with friends as much as possible.
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If necessary, take steps to rebuild your self-confidence. Bullying can affect your self-confidence and belief in yourself. Finding activities you enjoy and are good at can help to restore your self-esteem. Take time to explore new interests and develop new talents and skills. Bullying can also leave you feeling rejected, isolated, and alone. It is important to try to make new friendships with people who share your interests. Consider participating in extra-curricular activities or joining a group outside of school such as an after-school program, sports team, or other positive organizations.
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Do not resort to violence or carrying a gun or other weapons. Carrying a gun will not make you safer. Guns often escalate conflicts and increase the chances that you will be seriously harmed. You also run the risk that the gun may be turned on you or an innocent person will be hurt. And you may do something in a moment of fear or anger you will regret for the rest of your life. Finally, it is illegal for a teen to carry a handgun; it can lead to criminal charges and arrest.
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Refuse to join in if you see someone being bullied. It can be hard to resist if a bully tries to get you to taunt or torment someone. You may fear the bully will turn on you if you do not participate but try to stand firm.
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Attempt to defuse bullying situations when you see them starting up. For example, try to draw attention away from the targeted person, or take the bully aside and ask him/her to “cool it.” Do not place yourself at risk, however.
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If you can do so without risk to your own safety, get a teacher, parent, or other responsible adult to come help immediately.
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Speak up and/or offer support to bullied teens when you witness bullying. For example, help them up if they have been tripped or knocked down. If you feel you cannot do this at the time, privately support those being hurt with words of kindness or condolence later.
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Encourage the bullied teen to talk with parents or a trusted adult. Offer to go with the person if it would help. Tell an adult yourself if the teen is unwilling to report the bullying. If necessary for your safety, do this anonymously.
31 Day Challenge
Join the Challenge TODAY!
Day 1: Say “thank you” three extra times today.
Day 2: Draw a picture or make a card for someone you love.
Day 3: Hold the door open for someone.
Day 4: Thank someone who makes your day easier (like a cashier, bus driver, or delivery worker).
Day 5: Share a toy, book, or game with a friend or sibling.
Day 6: Call or video chat with a grandparent or relative.
Day 7: Pick up five pieces of litter (with an adult).
Day 8: Give a genuine compliment to someone.
Day 9: Help set the table or clean up without being asked.
Day 10: Write a kind note and leave it in a lunchbox or backpack.
Day 11: Donate a gently used toy or book to someone who needs it.
Day 12: Share your favorite snack with a sibling or friend.
Day 13: Tell your teacher or coach “thank you.”
Day 14: Feed the birds or your pets.
Day 15: Say something kind about yourself.
Day 16: Let someone else go first in line or in a game.
Day 17: Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for.
Day 18: Tell a silly joke to make someone laugh.
Day 19: Write a sticky note with a positive message and leave it for someone to find.
Day 20: Help carry groceries or bags.
Day 21: Give a high-five, hug, or fist bump to brighten someone’s day.
Day 22: Share words of encouragement with a friend who needs it.
Day 23: Make a handmade gift for someone special.
Day 24: Invite someone new to play or sit with you.
Day 25: Say “please” and “thank you” all day.
Day 26: Help water plants or do a small chore around the house.
Day 27: Tell your family one thing you love about them.
Day 28: Bake or cook something to share with neighbors.
Day 29: Read a story to a younger sibling or friend.
Day 30: Do something kind for yourself; rest, play, or create.
Day 31: End the month by writing a big “Thank You” note to someone who showed YOU kindness this month.