Strategies

Tips

H
Help:

• Brainstorm all of the sources of help at your school – deans, counselors, teachers, nurse.
• Stress the different ways to get help – anonymously, in a group, dean’s hotline.

A
Assert Yourself:

• Should not be used with severe bullying.
• Not as effective with group bullying.
• Victim should look bully straight in the eye.
• Use “I” statements.
• Make assertive statements and walk away.

H
Humour:

• Use humor to de-escalate a situation.
• Use humour in a positive way.
• Make the joke about what the bully said, not about the bully.
• Make humourous statement and then leave the situation.

A
Avoid:

• Best for situations when the victim is alone.
• Avoid places where the bully hangs out.
• Join with others rather than be alone.

S
Self-Talk:

• Use as a means to keep feeling good about self.
• Think positive statements about self and accomplishments.
• Rehearse mental statements to avoid being hooked by the bully.
• Use positive self-talk when practicing all strategies.

O
Own It:

• Agree with the bully and leave the situation.
• Combine with humor strategies such as “Yeah, this is a bad haircut. The lawnmower got out of control this weekend”.
• Combine with assertive strategies such as “Yes I did fail the test and I don’t appreciate you looking at my paper”.

1. Practice these strategies in any order, in any combination, or numerous times.
2. The Caring Community can remind each other of the strategies.
3. The Caring Community can help support the victim in using the strategies.
   If the strategies aren’t working, leave or disengage from the situation.