Be an Ally Resources

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One person can make a difference.

TAKE ACTION. STOP BULLYING

Here are six simple things you can do to be an ally to targets of name-calling and bullying:

  1. Support targets, whether you know them or not: Ask targets what you can do to help and make sure they know they are not alone

  2. Don't participate: Refuse to join in when name-calling and bullying occur and send a message that you are not okay with treating people in mean and hurtful ways.

  3. Tell aggressors to stop: If it feels safe, stand tall and tell the person behaving badly to cut it out.

  4. Inform a trusted adult: Tell an adult who can put a stop to the negative behavior and offer support to the target.

  5. Get to know people instead of judging them: Appreciate people for who they are and don't make assumptions about others based on their appearance or other outward qualities.

  6. Be an ally online: All the rules above are just as important to follow when you are on the Internet, phone or using other electronic devices.

Handling Cyberbullying

  • Don't feed the trolls-don't react

  • Have friends stick up for you

  • Lay low online for awhile

    • If they cyberbully can't FIND you, he or she can't bully you

  • Block the cyberbully

    • If the cyberbully can't CONTACT you, he or she can't bully you

  • Save the evidence

  • Report cyberbullying as a last resort


10 WAYS TO RESPOND TO BULLYING

In the moment. . .

Walk Away

Say, "Stop"

Keep Cool

Don't Fight

After the Incident. . .

Tell a friend

Report to an Adult

Over Time. . .

Find Safe Spaces

Practice Responding

Express Your Feelings

Reach Out

Celebrate Kindness.... Think First! .... Teasing or Bullying?

Good-Natured Teasing...

Hurtful Teasing or Bullying...

  1. Involves a playful back and forth between both parties

  2. Is accompanied by a friendly tone of voice and laughter

  3. Is accompanied by affectionate gestures or expressions

  4. Brings people closer and encourages friendships

  5. Sometimes helps to lighten a tense or angry situation

  6. Does not lead to physical confrontations

  1. May be accompanied by an angry tone of voice

  2. may be accompanied by angry body language, such as clenched fists

  3. Continues even when the person being teased shows distress

  4. Continues even when the person teasing knows the topic is upsetting to others

  5. Is sometimes accompanied by showing off in front of others

Dealing with Gossip

Avoiding Being the Target of Gossip

  • Avoid being friends with the gossips

  • Avoid being enemies with the gossips

  • Be neutral with the gossips

  • Don't spread rumors about other people

Handling Being the Target of Gossip

  • Every instinct we have is WRONG

  • Don't try to disprove the rumor

  • Don't appear upset

  • Act like the rumor doesn't bother you

  • Don't confront the person spreading the gossip

  • Avoid the person spreading the gossip

  • Act amazed anyone CARES about or BELIEVES the Gossip

    • "Can you believe anyone cares about that?"

    • "Why would anyone care about that?"

    • "People need to find a hobby."

    • "People seriously need to find something better to talk about."

    • "Can you believe anyone believes that?"

    • "Who would believe that?"

    • "People are so gullible."

    • "People will believe anything."

    • "I can't believe anyone would believe that."