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What's the best way to stand up for someone that's getting bullied without becoming the target of it yourself?

15 Answers
Last Updated: 01/08/2019 at 6:09am
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Jennifer Patterson, LMFT

Art Therapist

Life can be messy. Sometimes you need a little support to make your way through it. I love to help guide people through their challenges & to find the beauty in our messes.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 3rd, 2015 4:00am
Make sure to stand your ground and stay in control of your emotion. Don't show sign of fear or hesitation, for that's what these people prey on. Make sure to support this person afterward and don't hesitate to get help from outside. (For example a teacher if this takes place in school).
Anonymous
March 2nd, 2015 6:12pm
hmm thats hard since I had to fight my way through but if I think there should be a way. well bullying is usually done by a group so if you can make them target each other they will be destroyed. or you can inform the authorities and appeal them to remain anonymous. You can also pull some pranks anonymously off course, like threat calling and telling them to stop or you are gonna do something. You see bullies are mostly not idiots, they will usually target those that they believe won't fight back at all. Even if you lose in the fight but you fight back a little they will consider it at least one time before bullying you again. Bullies won't target a social person since they are afraid their deeds will get out and they will get infamous. Then bullies are in a group and that group will most probably have a leader, the leader will be dominating the group and there won't be a very good relationship in between them, they are also doing what they are doing because they don't wanna get picked on. So if you make them fight each other and then join the fight to oppose the leader, volla the leader is out for good. You have to be cunning if you don't wanna fight and still wanna win.
AJLGBT
April 7th, 2015 7:11am
theirs a few different ways, as a bully victim myself as a child and early teen, i am very familiar with this subject. as for me id be happy to trade places as i know the tricks they use, but for a SAFER option i would simply listen to the victim and perhaps show them that they are not alone and assist them and even be their when they stand up to relevent authority ( teachers, parents, bullies) and give them the courage to say its not ok and they wont stand for it, as a victim myself some time ago, its amazing how much help it is to be taken in by someone unconditionally and to know not everyone is out to get me, if its very sever i would not hesitate to go to the police or appropriate office as cyber bullying or even physical attack can also come under common assault in may places.
SolaceAndLove
April 8th, 2015 4:19pm
You think less in such situations, (1)Inform the corresponding authorities anonymously requesting to be not identified (2) You gather some good known people,if available and try to prevent the bully by trying to make him understand (3) You give enough mental boost to the victim so that the person is not low or down. (4)Never be stuck for a helping hand, if you are brave the world will recognise your voice. Lead others to be good and supportive. One choice makes a big difference.
goonforever
April 11th, 2015 1:06pm
Relate to the bully. Try to understand where they're coming from and appeal to that, instead of to the situation. If you can find a relationship with the bully and manage him or her to change their ways, or even dig out the root issue, it will be a much more productive fight than standing up for an individual. Remember that bullies are people too and probably have their share of problems. Sometimes the people who need help the most are those who hurt others.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2015 2:07am
You could try to distract the bullies in a way that's not hostile. You could also try to make friends with the victim or try to get them some other kind of help, or get some popular people to make a point of befriending them so it looks like they're not as easy a target. You could also try reporting the bullies anonymously.
Shunyata
November 10th, 2015 7:59pm
If you're afraid to do something yourself, then tell someone else (an adult, a teacher etc.). It's okay to feel afraid to stand up yourself, but it's importnant to understand that bullying is wrong and an adult should know about the situation to fix it.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2015 2:08am
Wait after the person gets bullied, then, go to that person, support them and talk to them as much as you can, you also have to encourage them to stand up for themselves and just be a good friend to them because sometimes the people who are bullied feel alone and sad so help them and encourage them to stand up for themselves and to be strong
Staystrong17
March 21st, 2016 4:59pm
Tell a teacher or trusted adult so they can do something about it. Even if you don't go directly to the person and tell them to stop, you are still doing something to help them.
Anonymous
June 20th, 2016 8:52pm
You could avoid the bully and cheer up the person you are standing up for. If you don't want to be the target don't act like a bully to the bullies.
Arkelight
November 7th, 2017 9:09pm
Offer your support to them. Tell them that you believe what is happening is wrong and make yourself available to help them through it in any way they can. That could be helping them approach an adult/employer about it.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2018 12:16pm
I think the best way to show support for someone who is being bullied is to stand up for them. Always look for the good in people and share the good. I honestly think to get someone into exercise and then a fund raising walk/run. Share and support the fund raising and help build the persons self esteem and confidence. Help find positive activities so the person isn't left focusing on the bullies. Ask the bullies what their problem is.
Anonymous
January 8th, 2019 6:09am
That's pretty simple, be someone the bullies fear. If they think they are going to take a beating, for harassing and picking on someone, they will lay off. I know that's not probably what I'm supposed to say. And it's probably not politically correct or gentle enough. But sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. 90% of the fights I've ever been in my life, I was always sticking up or protecting someone else. I guess this has to be a certain amount of words. So I will just say I hope everybody had a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year.
SeekApotheosis50
May 8th, 2018 4:04am
There's no way to guarantee you won't become a target of bullying. But by standing up for someone else you are creating a safe space for others who want to speak up, but may feel intimidated. Think of it like a ripple effect. If it helps, I still remember and feel gratitude to someone who stood up for me over twenty years ago.
MidnightRaven999
August 7th, 2018 6:00pm
Stand up to the bully, tell them that their actions are disrespectful and mean, and dont care if the bully does start attacking you, if you dont react to the bullies actions most likely the bully wont be interested in bullying you and leave you, and the person they were previously bothering, alone.