You might not know why you’re bullying others, but it’s a good sign that you’re reading this. It means you want to change. Guess what? You can.

Talk it out

• Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, a friend, a teacher, a counsellor or coach.
• Together, come up with ways you can be more tolerant of others

Turn things around

• Walk away from situations where you want to bully
• Resist peer pressure to bully. No one can tell you what to do.
• Hang out with friends who will help keep you in check.
• Try using your energy in positive ways, like playing sports or doing another activity
• Apologize to the people you’ve hurt, even if it means sending an anonymous note.

Think about it

• Just because people might watch and laugh, it doesn’t mean they like it when you bully.
• Do you get into trouble when you bully? Maybe it would be better to get attention in other ways.
• Put the shoe on the other foot. Think about how it feels to be threatened, beaten up, or excluded.

Remember

• Everyone is unique. That doesn’t mean better or worse than you.
• You don’t have to like everyone, but you have to treat others with respect.
• It’s hard to change. You don’t have to do it on your own.