Too many kids stay home from school every day because they fear being bullied. Share these tips with kids to help them take smart, safe actions when they or someone else is being bullied.

1. Reach out to someone who is often bullied. Ask him or her to join you in a game or to sit by you at lunch.
2. Try being kind and respectful to someone who bullies others. It probably won’t be easy to do, but it will surprise that person and might stop the bullying.
3. Bullying is not a “normal” part of growing up, even if some people act like it is. It’s mean and dangerous. Pretending it’s normal is just an excuse for bad behavior.
4. Telling is not tattling. If you or someone else is being bullied, report it to an adult. This helps keep everyone safe.
5. You are in charge of your actions. Instead of fighting, choose a positive response to bullying, like walking away or reporting the bullying to an adult.
6. Use I-messages to say how you feel and what you want. Example: “I feel angry when you pick on my friend. I want you to leave him alone.”
7. Don’t insult someone who is bullying or say mean things back to him or her. That usually just makes the person angry, which can mean danger for you.
8. When telling someone to leave you alone, speak firmly and clearly. Practice with a friend or an adult.
9. If someone calls you names, try saying, “You’re right” or “I guess so.” That can end the conversation—what else is there to say?

For more bullying prevention tips and strategies, plus activities and scenarios to promote conversations with kids about bullying, check out Bully Free Zone^® In a Jar^®: Tips for Dealing with Bullying.

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