How to Address a Bullying Mob

Bullying is a problem for both children and adults. The American Medical Association recently reported that more than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year, and a 2010 Workplace Bullying Institute study revealed that 8.8 percent of working adults felt they were currently being bullied. Mob bullying is a particularly dangerous form of bullying that involves a group of people ganging up on one individual. In a mob, there are often only a few people doing the actual bullying and a number of people who are bystanders.

Instructions

• 1

  If you are being bullied by a mob, remain calm. Take a deep breath and try to assess the situation without panicking. While this can be emotionally difficult, it is important that you prepare to think clearly.

• 2

  Identify one person who is actively bullying you. Look this person in the eye and calmly and clearly ask her to leave you alone. The bully may not stop, but this is an important step. When you ask her to stop, you are telling the entire mob that you want the situation to end.

• 3

  Find a disengaged onlooker. This is a person who is watching but does not get involved. Look this person in the eye and request him to help you make it stop. If you are in physical danger, ask this person to notify an authority figure or to call 911. Disengaged onlookers may be afraid to stop the bullying. By directly addressing this person, you make him take responsibility for his actions.

• 4

  If you feel physically threatened, protect yourself so you can get away. Scream "help" loudly and head toward a safe place.

• 5

  After the bullying incident, notify the appropriate personnel. Contact the human resources department if you are being bullied at work, a trusted teacher if you are bullied at school or the police department if the bullying involves violence or the threat of violence.