J. S. Jackson - Bye-bye, Bully!: A Kids Guide for Dealing with Bullies

Written by

J. S. Jackson

Illustrated by

R. W. Alley

Abbey Press

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

Text copyright 2003 by J. S. Jackson

Illustrations copyright 2003 by St. Meinrad Archabbey

ISBN: 978-1-4976-8299-3

Abbey Press Publications
1 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.abbeypress.com

Distributed by Open Road Distribution
345 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
www.openroadmedia.com

This is for my four terrific boysSteve, John, Joey, and Dannywho have all been exposed to bullying in their lives, and have come through it strong, healthy, and happy. And also for my wonderful wife, Molly Wigand, without whose talent, inspiration, and support, I could barely lift a finger.

What Is Bullying?

I f someone teases you, hurts you, or is just plain mean to youday after day, week after weekthat is called bullying.

B ullying is different from the little bumps, pushes, or arguments kids sometimes get into. Bullying is not an accident. It is hurting another person, on purpose, over and over again.

I s there someone on your school bus or the playground who is often just mean to other kidspunching, hitting, or kicking them? Is there someone in your classroom who is always making fun of another kid? That is how bullies act.

You Are Not Alone

A lmost everybody is bullied at some time in his lifeby a brother or sister, a neighborhood kid, or a classmate.

I f someone bullies you, it can make you feel scared, helpless, and alone. But there are things kids can do to stop bullying.

R emember: No one deserves to be bullied. By learning more about bullying, you will be better able to handle this problem if it happens to you.

What Do Bullies Look Like?

B ullies come in all shapes and sizes. You can tell bullies more by how they act than by how they look.

B ullies are often loud, selfish, and pushy. They need to do things and get things that make them feel powerful. They will use and hurt other people to get what they want.

K ids who are bullies try to make themselves feel good by making others feel bad. The funny thing is, they do this because, deep down, they feel bad themselves. If they can push around other kids, it makes them feel more powerful.

Who Do Bullies Bother?

B ullies look for people they think are weaker or scared of them. They often pick on people who are small, shy, or different.

A re you different in any way? Do you wear glasses? Do you have red hair? Are you kind of thin or chubby? Are you tall or short for your age? Do you speak with an accent?

G od gave you a special look and personality to make you the great, one-of-a-kind person you are! Different doesnt mean better or worseit just means different. Be proud and happyyou are exactly the way God meant you to be!

How Bullies Hurt Others

A bully might corner a kid in the back of the school bus and punch him or twist his arm. Or push someone down on the playground. Or pull a girls hair in the bathroom.

B ullies also hurt kids feelings, by teasing or calling them names. A bully might call a boy with large ears Dumbo, or a girl with red hair Carrot Top. This kind of teasing can be just as hurtful as the hitting kind.

S ometimes a bully might whisper about you, laugh at you, and make you feel as if no one likes you. It hurts your feelings to be left out, not part of any group.

What Bullies Want

B ullies like the feeling of power they get from making other people feel bad. Here are some examples of what bullies do, and what they want you to do. If you want to stop a bully, try not to act the way the bully wants you to!

Four Ways to Stop Bullies

B ecause not all kids are the same, and not all bullies are the same, you need to try different ways to stop them. Four of the best ways to stop bullies are:

1. Stand up for yourself. Act strong.

2. Steer clear of trouble.

3. Put a safety cloud around yourself.

4. Tell a grown-up. Ask for help.

Stand Up for Yourself

B ullies dont pick on kids who stand up for themselves. Practice this in front of a mirror:

Stand up tall and proud.

Look yourself straight in the eye.

Say out loud: I dont like what youre doing and I want you to stop it.

Say this over and over until you sound like you really mean it.

T he next time a bully starts picking on you, youll be ready. Stand up tall. Look him in the eye, and say, I dont like what youre doing and I want you to stop it. Keep on saying it till he stops.

Stay Out of the Way of Trouble

S teer clear of bullies and they wont be able to hurt you.

I f a bully bothered you in the back of the school bus yesterday, make sure to sit in the front today. If someone keeps trying to trip you on the playground, try to find a friend or two to keep around you, or stay near the teacher in charge. If someone teases you, just say, Whatever and keep walking.

T heres a big difference between being a chicken and being plain smart. Staying out of the way of trouble, when you can, is smart.

Put a Cloud Around Yourself