Do you know how to identify bullying? What does it look like? What can you do to help? Here are some tips for students to take a stand against bullying. 

Bullying doesn’t just occur in the school playground during recess. It can happen in all phases of your education from your elementary ABC’s to your college career. It can come in all forms like cyber, physical, mental, verbal, indirect, social, and intimidation.

You may ask, what can you do if you are being bullied or know someone who is?

There are many channels you can choose from.

See what some local students are doing in a effort to take anti-bullying a step further…

Lake Brantley says to Take the Pledge for Bullying:

“I pledge not to be a part of the bullying problem, but a part of the solution. I will not be bullied into silence, but instead will stand up by having the courage to speak out and ask for help. I’ll go out of my way to comfort those who are struggling. I will be the one to lead this movement by showing respect to all. I will not simply take this pledge and walk away without a purpose because I promise to make a conscious effort to do these things every day. I pledge to make THIS the movement that ends bullying. And it will start with me. It will start with me simply being kind.”

TBK in the Community Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OwtzorUyZ8

TBK To Be Kind Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV0HzBTRUUQ

For more information on this campaign and how you can make a difference, visit http://leadership.lakebrantley.com/tbk. Also, join To Be Kind on Facebook.

Flagler County Public schools is taking an initiative in anti-bullying and suggests following these tips:

 •Start a friendship club. Be nice to each other.

•Tell an adult at the school. They will be able to deal with the problem quickly.

•Talk to the bully and ask them to stop.

•See the guidance counselor.

•Talk to someone you trust, and ask what they recommend.

•Tell the truth when someone asks you about what happened. Be sure not to exaggerate.

•Don't believe the lies that the bullies tell about you.

•DO NOT BULLY THEM BACK--you may be accused of bullying yourself.

•Form an anti-bullying club at your school to make other kids aware of bullying.

Are you being bullied? Nobody likes to be picked on.  What can you do?

• Speak up against bullying. Say something like, “stop it.”
• Walk away. Act like you do not care, even if you really do.
• Tell an adult you trust. They may have ideas about what you can do.
• Stick together. Staying with a group might help.

Things to remember...

• You are not alone.
• It is not your fault. Nobody should be bullied!
• Talk to someone you trust.  
• Do not hurt yourself.
• Do not bully back. Do not bully anyone else.
• Do not let the bully win.  Keep doing what you love to do.

For more tips on what to look for and what to do, visit http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/bully/index.html