Bullies & Bullying - Psychologist discusses techniques to deal with it.

Summary

Performance psychologist Miranda Banks discusses how bullying can leave people feeling helpless and affect their confidence long after the incidents have ended. She recommends preparing a personal set of strategies for dealing with face-to-face bullying.

Strategies

• Notice patterns: Think about when and where the bullying usually happens, and how face-to-face situations differ from online harassment.
• Plan what to say: With someone you trust, prepare short responses for recurring situations and consider what you might do if the bully reacts badly. Calmly draw attention to the bully’s behavior rather than turning the blame inward.
• Expect discomfort: Speaking up may feel shaky, and the situation may briefly get worse. Prepare for that possibility, prioritize your safety, and seek support rather than confronting someone alone if it feels unsafe.
• Build a support network: Tell trusted people what is happening and identify others who can help, including people with the ability to intervene.
• Recover and rebuild confidence: After an incident, take time in a quiet place to calm and steady yourself, or tell someone you trust what you managed to do. Bullying can leave emotional scars, so allow time to recover and use strategies that ease anxiety and strengthen self-worth.

Presenter/source: Miranda Banks, performance psychologist.