“I did nothing wrong”: Advice for bullying victims

Advice if one ever gets involved in a bullying incident

February 19, 2024

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I did nothing wrong.

As talked about in previous posts, bullying is a serious yet prevailing issue in schools and communities in the entire world. According to a report from the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2019, one out of every five (20.2%) students reported being bullied.

Yet despite continuous efforts from educators, advocates, teachers, and student leaders to reduce cases of bullying in different schools, this issue still persists. In this case, it is immensely important, then, to be equipped with knowledge of how to cope with bullying – if one ever becomes involved as the victim.

From the official site of the government of Alberta, there are several ways of getting help. There are numerous organizations – such as the support for bullying victims from the Alberta government – that provide help and support for victims. Namely, one can call 310-1818 or text 310-1818, or log on to the bullying support site for an online chat with a professional counselor.

In addition to online support, there is some advice one should keep in mind.

Do not blame yourself for what you are treated with. It is never your fault that you have become a victim of bullying. Bullying itself is an unacceptable behavior, and the ones committing these behaviors should be the ones to be ashamed.

2. Seek help. Like what was mentioned before, there are numerous ways that one can seek help from external sources. A few organizations that can be helpful are: Bullying Canada, Pink Shirt Day, STOMP Out Bullying, and Let’s Defeat Bullying/Let’s Defeat Bullying Alberta. Along with these organizations by educational leaders and advocates, there are always sources of help from official governments, such as the one from Alberta government. Above all of that, seek help and support from loved ones that you can trust, such as parents, teachers, and trusted peers.

3. Keep track of what happened. When it comes to seeking help, it is important for one to keep evidence of bullying incidents to make sure related authorities such as school authorities – or even authorities from police – would have evidence to punish the bullies. Have a document somewhere, record all important information about every bullying incident – date, time, location, what the bullies did. Sometimes it is even more helpful to have more certain evidence such as voice recordings and/or videos of the bullies in their bullying actions.

Lastly, stay confident and proud – it may be a long time until bullying is completely eliminated, therefore staying strong and confident and arming oneself from the inside will serve to be the most effective way to keep the impacts of bullying to a minimum.