Support those around me who are being bullied or victimized. The best way to stand up to bullying is to treat everyone with respect and kindness, especially those of us who are being targeted or bullied by others. First, notice that this is happening and tell the person you do not agree with the bully’s actions or words. You can make a big difference just by acknowledging the person who is being bullied and letting them know you are there for them. There is no “right or wrong” way to show caring as long we are honest. Here are a few ways you can show you care:

• Ask “what’s wrong?” and LISTEN to them when they talk
• Go with them to talk to a teacher or counselor about the problem
• When you notice they are being bullied, go up to them and help remove them from the situation. You can tell the bully to back off or even just invite the victim to go with you to another area of the school or classroom
• Ask them to help you with something to get them involved in a positive activity
• Ask this person to play with you, have lunch with you or do something you both like to do together
• Compliment them when you notice something new (a haircut, clothes, glasses, or shoes), and mean what you say
• Tell them they are doing a good job on something when you notice their hard work (for example: with an art project, in sports, a good answer in class, and a nice act to someone else.)
• Show them how to do something new

Tell a friend, teacher or parent when I see someone being bullied. When you witness bullying behavior, are a victim of bullying, or are unsure if actions/words are okay, talk to a teacher, parent, or other trusted adult to get support. Bullying is serious and will not go away on its own. Speaking up is a very important way to stand up to bullying, and it does not mean you are being a snitch or tattle tale.

Ask myself, “how would I want to be treated?” We all want people to be kind, respectful and caring to us. Considering the other person’s feelings before acting or speaking is a helpful way to make sure you are an upstander every day.

Note where and when bullying occurs (bathroom, playground, online). Bullying most often happens when and where adults are not present. Be aware, and let the adults in your school and neighborhood know when and where bullying is most common. This is an important step to stop bullying from happening in the future.

Do something when I see someone being bullied—be an UPSTANDER. Being an upstander is being a hero: we are standing up for what is right and doing our best to help support who is being hurt! You should always get an adult when you witness bullying, but here are some ways you can be an upstander when it happens:

• “This is not ok to treat “X” like this. You would not want to be treated like this.”
• “I am uncomfortable about how you are talking to (or treating) _________.”
• “Stop doing that. You are being a bully. That is not ok!”
• “We don’t talk to people in our school like this. This is not ok.”
• (Talk directly to the student who is being bullying) “Hey, come with me. This person (or group) is being mean. You don’t have to deal with that.”

Understand why bullies bully. Bullies are not bad people, they are just doing bad things! How we all act is a “signal” that tells the world how we feel. Did you know that most bullies have been bullied at home or in their neighborhood and often have something going on in their life that makes them feel really bad? People who bully often feel that making someone else “hurt” will make them feel better. This does not mean that bully behavior is ok, but understanding why someone bullies others can help stop their bad behavior and get them the adult support they need.

Practice being a good role model for my fellow students and share “STAND UP” strategies. You can make a big difference in your school just by being kind, respectful, and caring to people you meet. Show your friends, parents, and teachers that you are an upstander, and spread the word about the Stand Up Pledge and Bully Bust Campaign! Standing up to bullying is everyone’s responsibility.