How to Deal with Mean Kids
Being picked on by other kids can really hurt your self-esteem and grades. It's usually best to tell a parent or teacher what's going on. But if you can't do that, here are some things you can try on your own.
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
What to Do When Kids Pick on You
1. Ignore Them 🚶♂️
- Mean kids want you to get upset. Pretend like the things they say don't bother you at all. Keep doing what you're doing even if they come up to you. Unless they get in your face or push you, then you may need to say something.
2. Speak Loud and Clear 📣
- If ignoring them doesn't work, tell them to stop in a loud, strong voice. Say things like "Stop!" or "Please don't!" Show them you're not scared. Other kids around might see, and that could make the mean kid leave you alone.
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
3. Stay Calm🧘♂️
- Don't let the mean kid see how you feel inside. If you look sad or scared, they may keep picking on you. Take deep breaths to relax. Only show how you really feel when you're away from them.
4. Talk Without Getting Mad 🗣️
- If you have to talk to them, do it firmly and confidently. Look them in the eye and stand up straight. Say something like, "I don't like what you're saying about me. Please leave me alone."
5. Agree with Little Things 👍
- Sometimes agreeing with small insults takes away their power. For example, if they call you a nerd, you could say "Yeah, I'm a nerd, and I'm proud of it! Now please go bother someone else."
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
6. Use Humor 😂
- Responding with a joke can show them you're not bothered. Make a funny comment about the situation, but don't insult them back - that might make things worse.
7. Get an Adult🧑🏫
- After dealing with a mean kid, tell a parent, teacher, or other grown-up you trust what happened. They can help stop it from happening again. Telling is not tattling - it's keeping yourself safe.
Protect Yourself if a Fight Happens
1. Avoid Trouble🚶♀️
- If a fight seems likely, try walking away without making the mean kid madder. Go somewhere with more people so they can't follow you.
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
2. Hang with Friends👥
- Mean kids usually pick on kids alone. If one comes at you, say you're busy with friends and don't have time.
3. Keep Your Balance⚖️
- If they try to push you over, lean into it so you don't fall down. Don't let them trap you in a corner where it's hard to get away.
4. Defend Yourself🛡️
- Keep your hands up by your face in case they try to hit you. Push their arms away if they swing. Always be ready just in case they try again.
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
5. Only Fight Back if You Have To ⚔️
- Fighting should really be an absolute last choice. If you really have no other choice but to defend yourself, aim for their stomach or private areas, then run off fast as you can. Just know that schools have very strict rules about fighting.
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| How to Deal with Mean Kids |
Expert Tip: 💡 If a fight is really unavoidable, try hitting or kicking them first so they'll stop. That way you can protect yourself without getting hurt blocking their attacks.
Warnings: 🚨
- If you feel truly unsafe, call the police right away for help.
- Schools have no tolerance for fighting, so you could still get in trouble even if you were just protecting yourself.
