What can I do to help?

Here are some tips on how to prevent bullying or how to help a person who is bullied:

1. Talk to the person who is being bullied. Ask what you can do to help him. Sometimes just spending time with him between classes or before or after school can help.

2. Listen without drawing conclusions. The person who suffers from bullying can be very sensitive about what is happening to them and afraid to talk about it.

3. Let them know that you care about their well-being. Show that you are their friend. Invite them to your group or to do activities together.

4. Talk to an adult. If bullying happens inside the school, talk to a teacher.

Try to involve the person affected by the bullying. They may be afraid to tell what happens to them and your encouragement can help them.

5. Don't repeat rumors. Bullies sometimes try to start rumors, you can help stop a rumor by slowing its spread.

6. Confront bullying. Talk to the person doing the bullying. Let them know that their actions are not good. If you are concerned about your safety, you don't have to do it face to face, you can send them a message and tell them that what they do is wrong and it hurts other people. Sometimes some people must hear a "hey that's not right" to make them think twice about their words and actions.

7. Educate others! Some types of bullying, such as bullying about race, or being gay or trans are based on ignorance and fear. By teaching someone else what you know about these things, you could change the way they treat other people.