You might be bullying if...

you or your actions fit under the following synonyms for bullying: 
  • Annoying (to disturb or bother in a way that displeases, troubles or irritates)
  • antagonizing (hostile; unfriendly)
  • bulldozer (a person who intimidates or coerces)
  • coercer (someone who dominates by fear)
  • insolent (boldly rude or disrespectful)
  • intimidating (fill with fear)
  • persecutor (to annoy or trouble persistently)
  • pest (an annoying or troublesome person; a nuisance)
  • rascal (dishonest; mischievous)
  • rowdy (rough; disorderly)
  • tease (one who irritates or provokes with persistent distractions)
  • tormenting (one who threats)
We all know what bullying usually looks like: getting slammed against lockers, having your lunch money stolen, getting beat up on the bus, being called terrible names, and the list goes on.  Bullying can be anywhere and show up anytime.  It can certainly occur in your lane at the pool, and it can most definitely show up in your own actions.

Are you bullying?  Is bullying showing up in your actions?

Kids who bully are not liked, trusted, or respected.  They are not team players and do not keep good friends.  Kids who bully other kids are not secure with who they are or where they stand.    

Let's look at our own actions first, because they are easiest to control.  How did you feel when you read the list of bullying synonyms above?  If you think this list has described your actions, there is help!  

If you are bullying, then do this:
  1. FOLLOW THE RULES!  Rules are in place to keep you safe and make your swimming experience more fun.  ***Keep hands and feet to self at all times  ***Treat coaches and teammates the way you want to be treated  ***Look at and listen to the coaches when they are talking 
  2. GET OUT!  If you feel yourself getting angry or upset, get out of the water and tell your coach immediately.
  3. ENCOURAGE!  Encourage the swimmers in your lane to do their best.  If they get better, you will automatically improve as well. 
If you feel like you are being bullied, do this:
  1. TELL the bully to stop doing the specific thing he/she is doing.
  2. COMMUNICATE with your coaches and parents.  The shared information can be kept confidential.  They will work out a plan together to keep you safe and happy at swimming. 
  3. REMOVE yourself from the situation.  Ask to change lanes.
Final question:  "What if the coach's kid is bullying?" 
Do this:  
  1. TELL the bully to stop doing the specific thing he/she is doing.
  2. COMMUNICATE with your coaches and parents.  The shared information can be kept confidential.  They will work out a plan together to keep you safe and happy at swimming. 
  3. REMOVE yourself from the situation.  Ask to change lanes.
It is very important that a coach's kid does not get treated differently than any other swimmer.  If you notice anything that concerns you, treat the situation like it is any other kid.  
  Share
Labels: ,