Defending yourself physically is important, but what you do after the incident can have a huge impact on your safety and school environment. Reporting the bullying is not just about punishment; it’s about protecting yourself and helping create a safer space for everyone.
How to report properly:
- Be factual: Clearly describe what happened — what the bully said, their threatening behavior, and what you did in response. Stick to the facts without exaggeration.
- Explain your intent: Make it clear you acted only to protect yourself and create an opportunity to escape, not to harm or retaliate.
- Gather witnesses: If friends, classmates, or bystanders saw the event, ask them to share what they saw. Their support strengthens your case.
- Report promptly: Don’t wait too long; tell a trusted adult such as a teacher, counselor, or school administrator as soon as possible.
Why reporting matters:
- It helps the school take action to stop the bully and prevent future incidents.
- It protects you from being blamed or punished unfairly for defending yourself.
- It sends a message that bullying is not acceptable and won’t be tolerated.
- It creates a record in case the situation escalates or legal action is needed.
Remember: Reporting is a sign of strength, not weakness.