Get Informed About Bullying – Articles, Poems, Books And More

The more you know about bullying, the better you may be equipped to work through it as it appears—either within your own experiences or as a witness in your classroom, work environment, with your children, friends or colleagues.

We’ve compiled a set of articles, posters, videos, and movies to inform you and inspire you to fight against bullying. The list is by no means exhaustive—but it generally contains knowledge that can be useful in many different circumstances related to bullying.

Bullying articles and books about bullying

• Bullying Prevention: Guidelines From The National Association Of School Psychologists - How to react to bullies is generally a well-covered topic, but can remain a challenging one, as the dynamics of each situation can be different. It can prompt many to pose the question: If the advice to people who are being bullied were easy to follow and effective, why does so much bullying still go undetected, unreported, and even sanctioned? This set of guidelines can point out the pitfalls of certain commonly-referenced approaches and offers helpful alternatives and solutions for both the survivors and perpetrators of bullying. 
• Bullying Under Attack - This anthology of essays is generally thought to stand out to many as an intimate look into the minds of all subjects in the bullying cycle—the person being bullied, the bystander, and the bully. Written in the first person by and for teenagers, the essays can go a long way to illuminate the 'why' and 'how' of bullying and being bullied, with a general aim to empower and liberate all.
• The Nocturnals - This book series has animals as the main characters, offering targeted education about bullying to a younger age group. The author Tracey Hecht was quoted by the NY Post stating that the books are meant to be playful and funny yet open the doors for communication and discussion about the topic of bullying. She went on to state that children “are likely to feel grateful for and open to talking about their own experiences when the context is safe”. The approach the books take can open new areas of communication for educators and parents as well and can empower them to provide valuable insights about bullying to young and possibly impressionable children or teens. 
• Automatic Detection Of Cyberbullying In Social Media Text - Many believe that cyberbullying is becoming an urgent and rampant concern in society—prompting many in the IT industry to take responsibility in this published article on automation and cyberbullying. We see this in text quotes, such as: "Successful prevention depends on the adequate detection of potentially harmful messages and the information overload on the Web requires intelligent systems to identify potential risks automatically”. 

With this type of research backing educator and industry approaches, cyberbullies can be spotted by bots and algorithms in all languages to make the Web and all its permutations a safer space for all.

Bullying videos and movies about bullying

Resources for children of all ages can be made available on sites such as pacer.org, a group who is thought to have founded PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006. It aims to lead social change, "so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage”. 

The group generally supplies resources for teachers, parents and students to raise awareness about bullying in their communities.

Another place to find resources and information about bullying in video form is stopbullying.gov. It is generally known as a federal US government site managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here, for instance, teachers and parents can find child-appropriate videos on bullying and how to correct bullying behavior.

Films have been thought of by most as excellent teaching tools and conversation starters, possibly helping to build awareness around heavier topics (like bullying).

Bullying poems and slam poetry

Sometimes someone else's words can say what we find difficult to express. Poetry has historically, for many,  been a way of saying so much more than only what's heard or read. 

The following poems are thought by many to have been created in such a way that puts the reader in the shoes of people who have been bullied, possibly addressing the range of difficult emotions that can accompany the experience. It also can offer a way for bullies and others to understand what people might be going through. 

The piece below can be sourced from the archives of Hampshire County Council's 2012 Anti-Bullying Poetry Competition for schoolgoers:

Bullying hurts

By S. M., Year 4, Ranvilles Junior School,

“You make me shout and always cry.
Why won't you please just tell me why.
You always think you're cool.
Don't you know, you're just a fool.
I know that you are jealous of me.
I wish that you'd leave me be.
Never before have I felt such pain.
I wonder if it's your middle name.
You think I'm weak, but I'm strong.
The things you do are truly wrong.
Today I'm going to tell someone.
Then your evil plan will be undone.”

Bystander

By K. N., Year 8, Hounsdown Secondary School

“I saw her in the morning
They threw her books in the dirt
But it's none of my business.

I saw her in the afternoon
Crying alone in the toilets
But it's none of my business.

I saw her walking home
They followed her, throwing insults
But it's none of my business.

I saw her every day
They did too, kept on and on and on
But it's none of my business.

I didn't see her today
She gave up; couldn't deal with it
She's gone
She's left school
She's happy now
It was my business.”

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Why?

By K. B., Year 3, Halterworth Primary School

“Why do you hurt me?
What did I do?
Is it because I'm smaller than you?
I play the piano, but that can't be why.
Is it my singing? I do try.
Perhaps it's because of the way I look?
Or is it because I read a book?
When we were together, I used to smile
And weren't we the very best friends for a while?
I try to be brave, but sometimes I cry.
I say I'm okay - well, that's just a lie.
Mummy can see that friendship's gone bad.
We have a hug and a chat, and I don't feel so sad.”

My walk to school

A.W., St. Clare's Primary School, Harold's Cross.

“Fist punch.
Foot crunch.
Hand hit.
Mouth spit.
Eye swells.
Can't see.
Please,
Please,
Let me be.

Rips my homework.
Steals my money.
Grabs my lunch.
Thinks it's funny

Sticks and stones may break my bones…

Sissy
Prissy
Four-eyes
Geek
Fatso
Stupid
Nerdy
Freak
…but names can really hurt.

Through the doors.
Up the stairs.
The face is bloody.
No one cares.

In the washroom.
Clean up the mess.
I'll be safe
Until … recess…”

Additionally, at the 2017 “We Day” in Seattle, WA., Aija Mayrock performed this slam poem to an audience of thousands of students. 

Aija is considered by many to be an author, actress and activist. She started writing her bestselling The Survival Guide to Bullying at 16, which is thought to have been based on years of bullying experiences that she survived in her own life. 

She allegedly vowed to publish it to fortify the next generation against bullying, which is what she did at age 18.

Slogans for bullying posters and anti-bullying graphics

This section was created with your allyship in mind, offering a range of anti-bullying slogans and quotes that can help you to make your posters or memes with these and raise awareness. 

You may want to consider the possible implications of showing these slogans, as you can offer an avenue for help for anyone who may be inspired by the phrases to come forward with their bullying experiences.

• “Bullying is never OK. Don't keep quiet about it.”
• “Have courage—ask for help TODAY if you're being bullied.”
• “Cyberbullying is as bad as bullying in person! Don't allow it.”
• “If hurting others feels good, it doesn't mean it is good—for anyone. Don't wait. Get help now.”
• “Be an angel in someone's life and report bullying if you're the witness.”
• “Hate and violence breed hate and violence. Love and compassion breed love and compassion.”
• “Nothing good can come from bullying others.”
• “Don't be all talk and no action. Report bullying today.”
• “It's time the torture stops, so SPEAK UP if you're being bullied. You're worth it.”
• “Your bullies are wrong; you are worthy and strong.”
• “It's never OK if someone makes you feel less than who you are with their behavior. Don't be a silent survivor of bullying.”

Get help with bullying—here’s how online therapy can help

Whether you are still experiencing bullying, or if it's a part of your past—being bullied can be painful for some. Online therapy can be a helpful resource for many as they work to rebuild their life and emotional stamina with the help of a licensed therapist. 

The effects of bullying can vary for many—with some reporting difficulties getting out of bed and taking initiative when it comes to investing in themselves. Online therapy can also be especially helpful in this context, empowering many to find support and resources from their home or safe space. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in general serving those with a range of needs and mental health conditions. Information sourced from a secondary study published in BMC Psychology suggests that online therapy can greatly reduce psychological distress among students who may be experiencing concerns such as bullying or home disruptions. The published information went on to conclude that this method of therapy can be more impactful to many due to possible low barriers to entry and ease of use.