1.Recognize when you need to do this. Violence should always be a last resort. When:
- Punishment just makes your beatings more painful.
- You've tried to tell many times.
- You've tried making peace. Like asking them why they do this? or could they please stop? Or
- could we just be friends?
2. Study the bully. How do they fight? This is important for the next step. Where does he go where you could fight him, but reach help if something goes wrong and doesn't have any teachers or security? Does he have any friends that could help him defeat you (read "multiple bullies" if this is true.)
3. Plan and think of a strategy. After knowing his usual style, plan how you're going to take him down. Some strategies are --
- If he rapidly punches (like most bullies do) keep dodging. You cannot effectively block punches in a real fight. Duck his punches, or just otherwise avoid them. Whenever you see an opening, kick him in the stomach HARD, and punch him in the nose, eye, or jaw. This will send him sprawling on the ground, and will possibly make him leave you alone.
- If he kicks and punches. Then keep your hands up, blocking your face. Practice your fast reflexes, and once he kicks grab his leg. Trip him, then jump on the floor and attack his face with all your might. Don't let up until you think he's had enough.
- If he knows martial arts. Then he's dangerous. Try to avoid him until you are learning a martial art, and are at least one higher belt than him. Then devise your own strategy.
5. Challenge them to a fight. just say you want to fight.
6. Fight. Stick to the plan!
7. Know what kind of bully you are dealing with. What does he/she do to others, and how does he/she react with different situations?
- Aggressive bullies are likely to abuse physically and without hesitation. Avoid them as much as possible.
- Taunting bullies are verbally abusive (calling names, making jokes, teasing, etc.). Don't react and they'll soon give up.
- Indirect bullies (AKA Backstabbers) spread rumors, exclude others, and harass their victims whenever possible. Try to overcome the rumors: tell everyone it's not true and the bully just wants attention.
- Cyber bullies harass other people through instant messaging, e-mail, and any other electronic means. The best way to deal with online bullies is to delete their messages and not read anything they say. Be sure to block the bully as well.
- Thief bullies steal absolutely just about anything that they can get their hands on. The best way to deal with them is simply to avoid bringing valuables with you, and keep your necessary equipment as far away from them as possible.
9. Show minimal reaction to bullying. Do not show the bullies that you feel hurt if they do something that makes you uncomfortable; just walk away. Bullies gain satisfaction from making others feel hurt or uncomfortable, so reacting to them will only encourage them further. The bully wants attention and if you show them that they are emotionally hurting you, they will get more pleasure out of doing it.
- This tactic may backfire depending on the bully, so read the situation carefully. Some bullies will feel safe tormenting you, (as they enjoy that action itself) if they see that you aren't suffering from their actions.
- You cannot talk sense to an irrational person. Walk away with dignity, saying you have better things to do with your time. If it continues, stand up for yourself. If it continues or does not continue, be sure to stand up for others who are being bullied.