Dealing with a bully can be tough since people rarely notice that they’re siding with one; thereby indirectly rewarding their behaviours. But there are effective ways to handle the situation. There are many reasons why someone may be a victim of bullying. Here’s a list of 11 Clever Ways To Stop a Bully in their tracks while maintaining your confidence and peace of mind.

1. Stay Calm and Confident

Bullies usually have underlying mental health issues and to solve this, they often gain strength from your emotional reactions, so try not to give them one. Stand tall, make eye contact, and respond calmly. Your confidence can make them think twice about picking on you.

2. Use Humor to Deflect

Humour can disarm a bully by shifting the power dynamic. A light-hearted joke or playful comeback can make the situation less intense and show that you’re not easily intimidated.

3. Ignore and Walk Away

Sometimes, the best response is no response at all. By ignoring the bully and walking away, you’re showing that they don’t have control over your emotions, which can take away their motivation to continue.

4. Find Strength in Numbers

Surround yourself with friends who have your back. This is one of the strongest techniques to ward off bullies. Bullies are less likely to target you when you’re in a group because it makes you seem less vulnerable.

5. Distract with a Change of Subject

If you’re confronted by a bully, try changing the topic to something unrelated. This can throw them off guard and diffuse the tension, giving you a chance to steer the interaction in a different direction.

6. Use Positive Body Language

Non-verbal cues like maintaining an open posture, standing up straight, and keeping a relaxed expression can communicate confidence, which can make the bully less likely to continue.

7. Get Support from Bystanders

If others are around, calmly ask for their support. Sometimes bystanders aren’t sure what to do, but when you enlist their help, they’re often willing to step in and offer support.

8. Talk to Someone You Trust

Sharing your experiences with a friend, family member, or school counsellor can give you emotional support and practical advice. You don’t have to face a bully alone.

9. Document the Behavior & Report To Authorities

Keep a record of bullying incidents, noting dates, times, and what happened. This can be helpful in reporting the behaviour to someone in authority. Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, administrators, or human resources if the bullying continues. They can take steps to address the situation and ensure a safer environment.

10. Stay Safe Online

If you’re dealing with a cyberbully, avoid engaging with them and block their accounts. Report inappropriate behaviour to the platform administrators, and consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit their access.

11. Stay True to Yourself, and Practice Self Care!

Remember that bullying often reflects more about the bully than about you. Focus on your strengths and what makes you unique, and don’t let anyone undermine your self-worth. Dealing with a bully can be stressful, so take time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. Self-care strengthens your resilience and helps you cope with challenging situations.

Each situation is unique, so consider which strategies might work best for you. And remember, you have the right to feel safe and respected. Never hesitate to seek help if you need it.

November 1st marks the International Day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying. It is an international commemoration observed by UNESCO. This day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities, education authorities and a range of sectors and partners, including the tech industry, to take a part in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning environments, so important for the health, well-being and learning of children and youth.