Bullying is a serious problem that affects millions of children. Studies show that 20-30% of students miss at least one day of school each month due to fear of being bullied. Teaching kids how to stand up against bullying from an early age is critical to reducing its impacts.

According to research, kids who can stand up to bullies experience less frequent bullying and lower rates of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Equipping kids with confidence and effective strategies is one of the most impactful anti-bullying approaches. When kids feel empowered to respond to bullying, it disrupts the bully’s power and control over them. Teaching inclusion, kindness and building allies also helps create a culture where bullying is less rewarding and more difficult for the bully.

Studies show that assertive communication techniques, like using “I” statements, and building confidence through interests and success experiences can reduce bullying by up to 75%. When kids stand up for themselves and others, it makes bullying more difficult and less appealing for the perpetrator.

While one in seven students misses at least one day of school per month due to bullying, teaching kids to stand up against it leads to life-long benefits. With practice and persistence, kids can overcome bullying and go on to build healthy relationships based on mutual respect. By providing evidence-based strategies and building confidence from an early age, kids can stand up for themselves and others, disrupting the cycle of bullying.

Though the problem of bullying is widespread, the solution of empowering children is within our reach. By equipping students with the skills and mindset to stand up against bullying, we can create a generation that redefines what it means to build each other up rather than tear one another down.

Build their confidence

Kids who are bullied often have low self-esteem, so it is important to build their confidence in their strengths and talents. Praise them for their accomplishments and the qualities you admire about them. Enroll them in confidence-building activities like sports teams, clubs, volunteering or hobbies they enjoy. For example, Tom was shy and struggled with math, but he joined the school math club. At first, he was quiet in the meetings, but over time he started sharing his ideas and even won first place in the school math competition. His success built his confidence to stand up to the bully who used to tease him about being dumb.

Teach assertive communication

Show kids how to respond to bullying using “I” statements, like “I don’t like that” or “Please stop.” Teach them to make eye contact, use a firm voice and stand up straight. Responding assertively helps take away the power from the bully. For instance, when Jack’s friend was being called names on the playground, Jack walked over to the bully and said loudly, “Leave him alone. I don’t want to hear that language.” The bully was surprised at Jack’s confidence and backed off, leaving them alone.

Get help from adults

Tell kids that bullying is not their fault and that there are people who can help. Encourage them to tell a teacher, parent, coach or school counselor about the bullying. Working with adults is often the most effective way to stop bullying.

Stand up together

If possible, try to have kids stand up to bullies together. There is power in numbers, and bullies are less likely to pick on a group. Kids can also join together to sit with a child being bullied at lunch or include them in activities.

Be kind and inclusive

Teach kids the importance of kindness, empathy and inclusion. Model these behaviors yourself and praise them when they stand up for others. Include other kids in activities and invite them to play or sit together. Making an effort to include other children helps prevent bullying.

Tag along and build allies

Encourage kids to find common ground with other students and build allies. The more friends a child has, the less power a bully holds over them. Allies can also help stand up to bullying when they see it happening.

Educate others

Teach kids to educate their peers about bullying and why it’s wrong. They can start an anti-bullying campaign at their school to raise awareness. The more people understand about bullying, the less it will be tolerated.

Just Remember – Breaking The Grip of Bullying Through Self Empowerment – BTGBTSE

B – Build their confidence

T – Teach assertive communication

G – Get help from others

B – Be kind and inclusive

T – Tag along and build allies

S – Stand up together

E – Educate others

While it can be difficult, teaching kids to stand up against bullying at an early age will give them the skills and confidence to do so for life. With practice and persistence, kids can overcome bullying. By building them up and providing strategies, kids can stand up for themselves and others.