Ratting vs. Reporting

A problem in all schools is that most kids are reluctant to tell their teachers about bullying because they don't want to be known as a "rat" or "tattle-tail." They may fear that other kids will begin to tease them because of telling or the kid they told on may become angry and begin to bully them. It is understandable that kids feel this way.

BUT...it is very important to remember that bullying is a very serious problem and in many cases it is a crime. Some kids are in physical danger from being bullied, some may hurt themselves due to the bullying, and still others may become violent and try to hurt the bully or others with their fists or weapons. So there is potential danger in not telling.

It is very important to remember that by telling you do not have to give your name. This is called an anonymous reporting. Bullystoppers.com is an example of anonymous reporting. But you can also make an anonymous report by writing the information down on a piece of paper and leaving it on your teacher's desk or mail slot in the office.

How to decide if you should report bullying:

Report it if a kid is being threatened by a bully.
Report it if a kid is being embarrassed and humiliated in front of other kids.
Report it if rumors are being spread about a kid.
Report it if a kid is being bullied on Facebook, Myspace.com, AIM or by texting.

You also are NOT OBLIGATED TO TELL A BULLY OR ANY OTHER KID YOU REPORTED SOMETHING.As stated above many kids are concerned about reporting bullying because if others find out they "told" they will get bullied even more. Well: It's every student's RIGHT to inform staff of what is going on and it's every student's RIGHT to attend school without being bullied. What can you say to a kid who confronts you by saying "Why did you rat on me you tattle-tail?!" after a counselor or administrator has spoken to him about bullying you? You don't owe the bully or his friends any answers. Here’s several simple and effective responses:

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Stop talking to me."

"You are not worth my time."

Counselors and Administrators should NEVER tell the bully or his or her parents who provided staff with the information. Why? IT IS IRRELEVANT and they are not entitled to it. What is relevant is stopping the bullying.