Source: "Empowering Bystanders in Bullying Prevention" by Stan Davis
- Treat everyone in your grade and in different grades with KINDNESS and RESPECT. You may not like what someone says or does all of the time, but you should always treat others the way you would like to be treated.
- Consider how your words and actions will affect other people before you say or do something. Taking a moment to think about how what you say or do could make someone feel could avoid unnecessary hurt.
- PROTECT and SUPPORT your classmates. If you see someone do something unfair or unkind to someone repeatedly, consider using one of the following helpful actions to show targets that bullying is not their fault:
- Help the target remove him or herself from the situation. Ask them to join you in an activity or walk away from the aggressor together.
- Show kindness to the target at a later time. Invite them to sit with you at lunch or join you at recess. Talk to them when you feel it is appropriate to do so and listen if they choose to share with you.
- Tell an adult. This could be a teacher, your guidance counselor, the principal, or a parent. As a witness to inappropriate behavior, you can share as little or as much as you feel comfortable sharing.
- Don't make things worse by laughing or joining in the hurtful behavior.
Empathy, awareness, and action lead to justice and inclusion.
"It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself."
~Eleanor Roosevelt~