Back to school – bullying and how to handle it

Going back to school can feel stressful when it also means facing ongoing bullying from peers. Moreover, bullying remains a significant issue in many educational environments, impacting student wellbeing and learning. Likewise, such behaviour undermines confidence, creates anxiety, and reduces motivation to participate fully in school activities. Consequently, addressing bullying promptly is essential to protect students’ emotional health and academic success throughout the school year.

Empathy for Students Affected by Bullying

Being bullied can deeply influence how students view themselves, their friendships, and their education. Moreover, such experiences often lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and shame. Likewise, prolonged bullying can damage self-esteem and, in severe cases, contribute to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, many bullied students avoid school or withdraw completely to escape ongoing harassment. Consequently, these disruptions can negatively affect academic achievement and future career opportunities in significant ways.

Here are a few tips on how to handle being bullied at school:

Telling Someone You Trust About Being Bullied

This may understandably feel frightening, but recognising the tactic reduces its power. Moreover, bullies often rely on fear to maintain control. Likewise, refusing to give in to intimidation can weaken their influence over you. Furthermore, telling a trusted adult about the bullying is always the right step. Similarly, confiding in someone ensures you are not facing the situation alone. Consequently, tackling bullying without help can be far more challenging and isolating. Therefore, seeking support increases your chances of resolving the issue effectively and safely. Also, trusted adults can provide guidance, protection, and intervention when necessary. Next, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Finally, prioritising your safety and wellbeing should always come before staying silent.

Empathy in Encouraging a Bullying Incident Diary

When speaking to an adult, they may not fully understand your bullying experience immediately. Moreover, some might offer reassurance without recognising the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, keeping a detailed diary of bullying incidents can help provide valuable evidence. Likewise, documenting dates, times, locations, and behaviours allows adults to better grasp the ongoing problem. Consequently, clear records encourage them to take your concerns seriously and respond more effectively.

Avoid Giving Bullies the Opportunity to Target You

You can reduce bullying risk by avoiding areas where encounters are most likely. Moreover, choosing different routes to and from school can minimise potential contact. Likewise, varying your paths within school grounds helps limit opportunities for unwanted interactions. Additionally, staying close to trusted friends offers support and deters bullying behaviour effectively.

Being Brave in the Face of Bullying Threats

Bullies often seek reactions, so avoid showing fear or distress. Moreover, resisting the urge to retaliate prevents further escalation. Likewise, staying calm can reduce the bully’s sense of control over you. Furthermore, planning ahead helps you manage emotional responses more effectively. Similarly, distraction techniques can create mental distance from the immediate situation. Consequently, counting backwards from 10 allows focus to shift away from the bully. Therefore, extending the count to 25 can provide additional time to regulate emotions. Also, counting to 50 may help until you reach safety. Next, practise these strategies regularly to build confidence and readiness. Finally, prioritising personal safety should always remain your first and most important goal.

Empathy When Standing Up to a Bully

Bullies often target individuals who struggle to defend themselves and appear willing to tolerate mistreatment without resistance. Moreover, using assertive statements like “Stop bothering me” delivers a strong message that their behaviour will not be tolerated. Likewise, speaking with a confident tone can discourage further harassment and demonstrate self-assurance in confronting harmful actions. Furthermore, maintaining eye contact while addressing the bully reinforces the seriousness of your stance and boundaries. Nevertheless, if confrontation feels unsafe or overwhelming, prioritising personal safety by walking away is the wisest course of action. Consequently, protecting your wellbeing should always remain the foremost priority in any bullying situation you encounter.

Final Thoughts on Empathy

Bullying is never acceptable, and responsibility always lies with the person choosing harmful behaviour. Moreover, seeking immediate support ensures safety and helps address the situation effectively. Likewise, speaking to trusted adults or professionals can provide guidance and emotional reassurance during difficult times. Consequently, taking action empowers you to protect your wellbeing and promote a respectful, supportive environment.

Empathy: Written by Dr Ronald Zammit

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Dr. Ronald Zammit holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southampton, has completed Master’s level psychotherapy training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the New Buckinghamshire University in the UK, as well as received training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). He has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related difficulties, personality disorders, and compassion-based approaches to treating difficulties related to high self-criticism and shame.