Prevent, Address, or Stop Every Type of Bullying

Every instance of bullying is different. Verbal, social, and physical bullying can occur anywhere and happen to anyone. Everyone who is involved in instances of verbal, social, or physical bullying will experience the situation differently. No matter the type of bullying, there are things you can do to prevent, address, and stop it.

Stop Verbal Bullying (Saying or Writing Mean Things)

Change the subject or question the behavior to shift the focus
Use humor to say something funny and redirect the conversation
Intervene as a group to show that several people do not agree with the bullying
Walk with the person who is the target of bullying to help diffuse potential bullying interactions
Reach out privately to check in with the person who was bullied to let them know you care

Stop Social Bullying (Hurting Someone’s Reputation or Relationships)

Parents, teachers, and mentors can address bullying through moral engagement
Teach social problem-solving skills, empathy skills, and assertiveness skills to prevent bullying in young children
Teachers, try using Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom to help youth develop social skills and awareness of themselves and others

Stop Physical Bullying (Hurting a Person’s Body or Possessions)

Intervene immediately, if you can do so safely
Try to find help if you need it
Stay calm
Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders
If you feel safe doing so, try to separate the kids involved and protect the child who is being bullied

When bullying takes place online and involves sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else, then it is considered cyberbullying. When cyberbullying happens, you should take steps immediately to stop it.

Document harmful posts or content
Report cyberbullying on apps or social media platforms
If a child has received physical threats, or if a potential crime or illegal behavior is occurring, report it to the police
Support the person being bullied by posting positive comments about them online, expressing your concern, and determining if professional support is needed

Learn more on StopBullying.gov

Resources to Help Stop Bullying