Realize that with every action you are making a decision to behave in a certain way. Your words and behaviors are under your control. Rate your anger or strong feelings on a level from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest. When you feel yourself at an 8, 9, or 10 on the scale, step away and don’t try to engage with others. Take a moment for yourself to calm down. [1] X Expert Source Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MACLicensed Clinical Social Worker Expert Interview. 22 July 2021.

If the group threatens you into bullying someone else, tell someone you trust that you need help handling the situation.

Spend time with people and get to know them on a deeper level. Understand that everyone is equal: you are not better than other people, and they are not better than you. Appreciate what makes each person unique, instead of judging them for their differences.

Is it to feel superior because you had been bullied in the past? Is it because you have been in an environment in which bullying is common? Is it because you envy someone or want something from them? Is it because you are trying to “fit in” or “seem cool?”

Verbal bullying is when you tease, mimic, name call, and insult someone. Physical bullying is when you hit, kick, push, shove, punch, pinch, or physically hurt someone in any other way. Emotional bullying is when you manipulate someone for your own gain by making them feel shame or taking away their power and confidence. This includes gossiping, backstabbing, isolating, and leaving people out. In total, it is when someone harasses, abuses, or intimidates others physically or emotionally. It is also repeated behavior toward the same or to different victims.

Watch videos online that detail the problems related to and how to stop bullying. Inform yourself of the many bullying incidents that have led to victims becoming bullies or killers later in life, deaths, and suicides. Know that bullying can lead to suspension, expulsion, or even arrest depending on the severity of the situation. If you know that you are more inclined to bully people who you dislike, learn more about them to make them less unlikable. You may even make new friends that way!

Speak with people you know and ask for their honest thoughts on your behavior. [12] X Expert Source Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MACLicensed Clinical Social Worker Expert Interview. 22 July 2021. If you are being bullied in your home, seek the help of a school counselor, a therapist, or someone you trust immediately.

Are you bullying to cover your own weakness? Putting someone else down as a way to hide your own powerlessness is a common reason to bully. Are you bullying to show off for others? Perhaps you’re trying to stay afloat in a harsh group situation by putting on a display of power. Do you tease someone else about something you dislike about yourself? Bullying someone else who shares an unwanted trait is also common. Are you hurting other people because you’re unhappy with your life? Some people act out against others when they feel powerless to change something about their own circumstances. Consider taking a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), or the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire to gain a better understanding of your personality. [13] X Expert Source Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MACLicensed Clinical Social Worker Expert Interview. 22 July 2021.

Don’t apologize until you sincerely mean it. People will be able to sense if your words are not genuine. If you’ve hurt someone deeply over time, they may not want to talk to you. Respect their space, and realize that your relationship may be permanently damaged.