Goal: Establish relationships with trusted adults who can intervene and provide guidance when bullying situations arise
Identify Your "Go-To" Teacher: Choose one teacher you feel comfortable with and visit their classroom during lunch or after school at least once a week to build rapport
- Expected result: You'll have a trusted adult who knows you personally and can help when needed
Schedule a Meeting with Your School Counselor: Make an appointment within the next week to introduce yourself and discuss your goals for a positive school experience
- Expected result: Your counselor will know who you are and be prepared to help with any social challenges
Create a Communication Plan with Parents/Guardians: Have a weekly check-in conversation about school, including any social challenges or concerns
- Expected result: Your family will be informed and ready to advocate for you if serious issues arise
Connect with One Additional Staff Member: Identify a coach, librarian, or other staff member you interact with and build a positive relationship through regular, friendly interactions
- Expected result: You'll have multiple adults in the building who know and support you
Learn Your School's Reporting System: Find out exactly how to report bullying at your school (online forms, specific staff members, anonymous tip lines)
- Expected result: You'll know the exact steps to take if you need to report bullying behavior
Practice the "Professional Report": Prepare a clear, factual way to describe bullying incidents (who, what, when, where, witnesses) without emotional language
- Expected result: Adults will take your reports seriously and be able to act effectively
If you're uncomfortable talking to adults: Start with small, positive interactions (thanking them, asking about assignments) before discussing personal issues
If adults don't seem to take your concerns seriously: Document incidents with dates and details, and ask your parents to schedule a meeting with school administration
If you're worried about being seen as a "tattletale": Remember that reporting serious bullying is protecting yourself and others - it's responsible, not tattling
You'll know you're done when: You have multiple trusted adults who know you and are ready to help with any bullying situations
- You have at least 3 adults at school who know your name and would recognize if you needed help
- You've had at least one meaningful conversation with your school counselor
- Your parents/guardians are informed about your social situation and ready to support you
- You know exactly who to contact and how to report if bullying occurs
- You feel confident that adults would take your concerns seriously and act on them
Ready for next step? With a strong adult support network in place, you're ready to learn how to protect yourself from cyberbullying and maintain your safety online.