Monday, March 4, 2013

Curious Lives of Teenagers: Bullying


When high school seniors in Southern California were asked what kids could do to avoid being bullied, here are some of their responses:

  • Avoid social networking sites that can send messages anonymously
  • "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
  • Being popular is overrated
  • Get involved in clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities to meet new people.
  • Learn how to take a joke (laugh it off)
  • Don't trust a lot of people; get to know someone before you trust them.
  • Don't be arrogant
  • Be arrogant
  • Have a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
  • Be funny
  • Compliment others
  • Take compliments
  • Don't be mean
  • Dress reasonably
  • Don't be loud -- until you're 100% comfortable
  • Never let them see you sweat
  • Wear clothes you feel good in, it shows
  • Be up to date on youtube videos
  • Throw a party
  • Don't use a rolly-backpack.
  • One-strap your backpack.
  • Respond to bullying in a way that seems confident, but unaffected.
  • Go to Mammoth, and for months after keep referencing "Mammoth."
  • Don't go to Mammoth, but for months after reference "Mammoth" just by saying the word and smiling.
  • Don't call the Principal by his formal name. Use a nickname.
  • Get followers/likes on Instagram.
  • Get a popular kid to vouch for you. Do what it takes.
  • Go to the basketball games.
  • Be optimistic
  • Be yourself, but tone it down a bit at school if you're really extreme. There are trade-offs.
  • Don't provoke a bully
  • Learn the vibe of the school
  • Be good to a lot of nice people so they can get your back later.
  • Seriously, learn how to be funny.
  • Find a few cool people to help you get through it
  • Know that when a bully bullies you...they're "wrong." The insults are lies.
  • Find a teacher or counselor you trust to talk to.
  • Be confident in yourself, but not cocky.

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