How to Stop Getting Bullied at High School

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Being bullied is one of the most stressful experiences you can face in high school. But always remember that you’re not alone, that you don’t deserve to be bullied, and that there are things you can do to stop it. This article lists lots of helpful ways to handle bullying, starting with immediate responses and moving on to longer-term solutions.

1

Stay calm and focused.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The bully is trying to get a big reaction out of you, such as crying or shouting. Instead of giving them what they want, focus on what you want—a good way to put a stop to their bullying! Take a couple of slow, deep breaths and bring your focus inward. Think about the situation and the best calm, focused, and effective way to respond to it. [1]
    • It’s okay to feel anger or fear or sadness welling up inside—that’s completely natural and justified. But do your best to keep your cool so you can take control of the situation.
    • In some situations, for example, you may see that walking away is the best option. Or, you may decide that telling the bully to stop forcefully or reasoning with them is the way to go.
    2. Advertisement
2

Try walking away from them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This tends to work best if a bully is seeking out a random target, rather than targeting you intentionally. In this case, ignoring them and walking away may cause them to lose interest since they won’t get a reaction from you. Walk away confidently and without fear, sending the message that the bully has no effect on you.
    • If you find yourself having to repeatedly walk away from the same bully, or constantly having to find new routes in the school hallways or on your walk home, look for a more effective strategy.
    • Don’t run away from a bully unless you are legitimately afraid. In this case, stay in high-traffic areas and get assistance from a teacher or other responsible adult as soon as you can.
3

Tell them to stop in a calm, firm voice.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Staying quiet or attempting to reason with a bully who is specifically targeting you won’t work. Likewise, stooping to their level will only make things worse. Instead, look the bully straight in the eye and firmly but calmly say, “I want you to stop right now.” If the bully gets in your face, bring your arm across your chest to use it as a barrier, then repeat your statement. [2]
    • If the bully still continues, hold your ground and keep repeating, "Stop. I want you to stop right now. Stop," or loudly say, "Stop! Leave me alone!" Don't say or do anything else but continue to repeat these phrases.
    2. Advertisement
4

Reason with them if possible.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Talking to a bully can be challenging, but it might bring self-awareness to their demeaning behavior. This is especially true when the bully doesn’t seem to realize the impact of their words or actions. Be calm and direct, and aim to build the person up instead of putting them down. For example, say, “I think you are too smart to behave this way and know you can do better,” or, "Be cool for real and don't talk to me or other people that way."
    • Show confidence. Confidence is expressed through the words you choose and your own body language. Remember to stand tall, with your head held high.
    • Don’t bother with this method if the bully knows exactly what they’re doing and is intentionally trying to hurt you.
5

Report serious or repeated bullying.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the bully is threatening your safety, run, shout, and do what you need to get help right away. If you’re reporting a bullying incident after the fact, tell the authority figure all of the following: what happened, who the bully is, where and when the bullying took place, how long it's been happening, and how it makes you feel. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they will do to help stop the bullying—it’s their job to keep you safe. [3]
    • If you’re nervous, consider taking a friend with you so that you feel more comfortable.
    • If you’re worried about forgetting any important details, write down what's been happening before the meeting.
    • If the person you talk to doesn’t take concrete steps to help, seek help from another authority figure. Keep going until you get the help you need and the bullying behavior is resolved.
    2. Advertisement
6

Open up to a parent/guardian.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you feel like you can handle the bullying yourself, tell your parent(s) about the situation and ask them for moral support and practical ideas for handling the problem. That said, never be ashamed to ask for their direct help in dealing with bullying, especially if your own efforts haven’t worked. They can contact your teachers and other school administrators and get things done in ways you may not be able to. [4]
    • You might say something like this: “Dad, I’m having a problem with a bully in gym class. I have some ideas for the best way to handle it myself, but I’d like to explain the situation to you and get any advice you have.”
    • Show your parent(s) that you’re mature and capable of handling problems, and they’ll be more likely to trust and support you.
7

Ask a friend for help.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sharing your experience may lead your friend to also open up about experiences they’ve had with bullies. They’ll likely also offer genuine empathy and a true desire to help you. This is really important, because knowing you’re not alone means a great deal when you’re being bullied. You can also talk openly and honestly about positive strategies for dealing with the problem. [5]
    • If, for example, there’s a nasty rumor being spread about you, set the record straight by letting your friend know what's true and untrue. Hearing them say, “I understand and don’t believe these lies,” can really help a lot.
    • A friend can also help out by, for instance, walking to class with you so you’re not alone when you have to pass by a bully.
    2. Advertisement
8

Choose a positive social circle.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your current social circle includes people who don’t seem to care that you’re being bullied—or, even worse, take part in the bullying—make a change. Here’s a rule of thumb: if you tend to feel nervous or stressed around the people you hang out with, they’re probably not true friends. Real friends make you comfortable being yourself and sharing your feelings.
    • Drifting away from current friendships and developing new ones is never easy. But it’s important to do what’s best for your own wellbeing. You deserve friends who accept you as you are and don’t tolerate bullying.
    • Stick with friends who stand up for you and each other. Bullies are less likely to harass you if you have strong friends who support you.
9

Support anti-bullying efforts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your school has an anti-bullying program, join it. If it doesn’t have one, start it up with some of your friends! Work with teachers, school staff, and parents to set policies against harassment and create goals for a positive and supportive school environment. Working together is the best way to change your school’s culture. [6]
    • You might, for example, help set up a program of student hall monitors who keep an eye out for instances of bullying.
    2. Advertisement
10

Accept and take care of yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1310521-v4-728px-Stop-Getting-Bullied-at-High-School-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s important to remember that bullying is more about the other person’s issues than it is about you. Instead of trying to change who you are in an effort to stop the bullying, stay true to yourself by embracing your unique qualities and talents. Take positive steps to achieve happiness, including doing things that you like and seeking out help and support as needed. [7]
    • Pursue the things that make you feel at your best. Join a club or sport like track and field or drama. Get involved in school activities like yearbook or the school newspaper.
    • Take time to appreciate the good things you have and the accomplishments you’ve achieved. For example, write down a list of your good qualities each morning and your accomplishments each evening.
    • If you are experiencing long-term feelings of emotional distress that are affecting your self-esteem, relationships, and/or education, reach out to a mental health professional like a school counselor, licensed therapist, or doctor.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Never think this is your fault. No one deserves to be bullied. Remember that everyone in school has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.
        Thanks
      • If you are being cyber bullied, immediately tell a trusted adult. Block all communication from this person. Save or print all the slander that you get and keep it in a folder. Keep it as proof that you can present to authority figures.
        Thanks

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • As tough as it is, try to focus on the bright side—for instance, try to focus on all the people in your life who love and care about you, like your friends and family.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Avoid Being a Victim of Bullying
      How to
      Deal with Name Calling Bullies
      How to
      Deal With Bullies
      How to
      Stop Bullying
      How to
      Be Confident when Someone Insults You
      How to
      React when Someone Teases You
      How to
      Respond to Verbal Abuse
      How to
      Stop People from Mocking
      How to
      Deal With Being Called Ugly
      How to
      React when Insulted or Teased
      How to
      Handle Being Laughed at Behind Your Back
      How to
      Stop a Mean Girl Bully
      How to
      Get Someone to Leave You Alone
      How to
      Deal with Bullying Neighbours
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/information-and-resources/about-bullying-and-cyberbullying/are-you-being-bullied/
      2. ↑ http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/information-and-resources/about-bullying-and-cyberbullying/are-you-being-bullied/
      3. ↑ http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/bullying/bullies.html#
      4. ↑ https://dr-carol.com/2017/02/27/how-to-tell-your-parents-your-being-bullied/
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html
      6. ↑ https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/successful-anti-bullying-program-found-ucla
      7. ↑ Chloe Carmichael, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 May 2019.

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 135,340 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 8, 2016

        "Pretty much everything in this article helped and stood out to me. This article could really help me survive the ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement