Stand Strong · For Kids, Teens & Adults
Being bullied? You are not alone. And it is not your fault.
At school, online, on the bus, on the job — nobody has the right to make you feel small. This page is for kids, teens, and adults: real help, real people, and real ways to stand strong.
You matter.
The world is better with you in it. Full stop.
Feelings pass.
The worst moments are temporary — even when they don't feel like it.
Help is real.
Millions of kids got through this. You will too — with backup.
Talk to someone right now — free & private
These are real people trained to listen — not to judge, not to lecture. You don't need money, a parent's permission, or a "big enough" problem.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 — free, 24/7
Talk to a real person who cares. Any problem, any time.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Text with a trained counselor — free and private.
Boys Town National Hotline
Call 1-800-448-3000 — 24/7
For kids and teens dealing with anything — bullying, family, school.
The Trevor Project
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Support for LGBTQ+ young people, 24/7.
If the bullying has you thinking about hurting yourself
First: we're glad you're here. What you're feeling is pain — and pain can be treated, just like a broken arm. It is not weakness and it is not forever.
Please tell someone today. Call or text 988 right now, or tell a parent, school counselor, nurse, coach, or any adult you trust. If it's an emergency, call 911.
Bullies lie. The things they say about you are not the truth about who you are. Thousands of kids who felt exactly like you do now are living big, happy lives today — because they reached out and got backup.
Worried about a friend? If a friend talks about giving up, take it seriously — tell an adult even if they asked you not to. That's how you save a life.
Your game plan
Bullied at school
- 1Tell an adult you trust — a parent, teacher, counselor, or coach. Telling is NOT snitching. It's protecting yourself.
- 2Keep a record: write down what happened, when, where, and who saw it.
- 3Stay near friends and adults when you can. Bullies look for kids who are alone.
- 4If the school doesn't fix it, your parent can report it to the principal in writing — schools are required to act on bullying.
Bullied online (cyberbullying)
- 1Don't reply and don't fight back online — that's what they want.
- 2Screenshot everything before you delete anything. Proof matters.
- 3Block them, then report the account on the app (every app has a report button).
- 4Show a trusted adult. You will not be in trouble for being targeted.
See someone else getting bullied? Be an upstander.
Stand with them
Walk over and stand next to the kid being targeted. Bullies back down when kids stick together — that's solidarity.
Speak up or get help
A simple “that's not cool” works. If it's not safe to speak up, go get an adult fast.
Check on them after
One kind message — “you didn't deserve that” — can change someone's whole day. Maybe more.
Adults get bullied too — especially at work
Bullying doesn't end at graduation. A supervisor who screams and humiliates, a coworker who spreads lies, being frozen out, sabotaged, or harassed online — that's workplace bullying, and you don't have to take it. The 988 line and Crisis Text Line above are for adults too.
- 1Document everything: dates, times, what was said or done, and who witnessed it. A paper trail is power.
- 2Report it in writing to your supervisor or HR — email creates a record that can't be denied later.
- 3Union member? Talk to your steward. You have the right to have a steward present in any meeting that could lead to discipline (your Weingarten rights). Your union exists exactly for this.
- 4If the bullying targets your race, sex, religion, age, disability, or national origin, it may be illegal harassment — you can file with the EEOC.
- 5Don't suffer in silence. Talk to someone — a steward, a counselor, or 988. Workplace bullying breaks people down quietly; backup is how you stand strong.
Carrying something older and heavier? Roughly 1 in 6 men experienced sexual abuse before 18 — and most were told to stay quiet. It was not your fault and it says nothing about your manhood. Free, anonymous help built for men is one tap away.
Healing for men & boys — Safe HavenFor parents & caregivers
Watch for the signs: lost or damaged belongings, not wanting to go to school, stomach aches every morning, dropping grades, quitting activities they loved, secrecy about their phone, or sudden sadness and anger. If you see them — ask gently, listen without blowing up, save the evidence, and put your report to the school in writing. You are your child's strongest advocate.
Learn more
StopBullying.gov
The official U.S. guide — what bullying is, how to report it, and your rights at school.
PACER National Bullying Prevention Center
Toolkits, videos, and help for kids, teens, and parents.
988lifeline.org — Youth
How the 988 Lifeline works and ways to chat online instead of calling.
Cyberbullying Research Center
Simple guides for handling harassment on every app and platform.
You are loved. You are needed. And you are stronger together than any bully is alone.
LaborEducation.org · Union Strong — looking out for working families and their kids.
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