Bullying has become a pervasive problem in schools and can have long-lasting effects on the mental health and well-being of students. NAMI reports that I in 6 students suffer from a mental illness, and that bullying can cause depression. Further, rates of suicide among youth have increased since the effects of research. Despite these facts, there is still hope for students overcoming bullying through grit. Research has shown that developing a growth mindset and grit can help students overcome bullying and build resilience. In this blog, we will explore some tips to help students overcome bullying through growth mindset and grit.

A growth mindset is the belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks, including bullying. According to Dweck (2006), students with a growth mindset are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as threats to their self-esteem.

a. Focus on their strengths: Encourage students to focus on their strengths and to view bullying as an opportunity to develop resilience and grit. According to Duckworth et al. (2007), focusing on one's strengths can help build self-esteem and confidence, which are important for overcoming bullying.

b. Embrace challenges: Encourage students to embrace challenges and to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. According to Yeager et al. (2019), students who embrace challenges are more likely to develop a growth mindset and to persevere through difficult situations.

c. Be Merciful: Encourage students to practice having mercy and compassion towards themselves while remaining kind to themselves, especially facing difficult situations. According to Neff (2017), self-compassion can help students build resilience and cope with stress and adversity.

Grit is the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks, even when they are difficult or uncomfortable. Students with grit are more likely to overcome bullying and to build resilience. According to Duckworth et al. (2007), grit is a better predictor of success than intelligence or talent.

To build grit, students can set goals for dealing with the bully. Encourage your students to set realistic goals for themselves, such as improving their grades or developing a new skill. By working towards these goals, students can get off the distraction from the bully and remain focused on why they are in school. This will change a student’s mood and allow them to remain connected to those that support them. 

It's important to listen to the students and validate their feelings. Let them know that what they are experiencing is not okay and that they are not alone. Further, let them know that you are there to support them, and that you will do what you can to resolve the issue with the proper support and follow up with school guidance counselors, school psychologists, administrators and more.

 Encourage the student to report the bullying to a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. Make sure they know that reporting is not tattling and that it's important to speak up to stop the bullying. Remind students to remain specific regarding how long they’ve endured the bullying for and how it has impacted their ability to thrive as a learner. Make sure parents are following up with leaders on campus and with their parents. 

 Work with the student to develop a safety plan that includes strategies for avoiding bullying, staying with friends, and seeking help when needed. Change the trajectory of the students navigation on campus, and even change their schedule if needed. Safety is first for learners, and every learner has the right to an educational experience that is free from harm and bullying.

 Teach the student coping skills such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization. These skills can help them manage their emotions and stay calm in the face of bullying. Remind students not to take the mental, emotional or physical or cyber bullying personally. Show your students how you validate and accept them, and how they are an asset in your classroom.

Involve the student's parents in the process and keep them informed of what's happening. They can provide additional support and help the student feel safe and protected. Continue to advocate for the child with their parents or guardians and put together a plan that will help the child cope with the effects of bullying while transitioning into safety from all bullying. 

Provide the student with resources such as books, websites, or support groups that can help them cope with bullying and build resilience. Find time for your students to check in to discuss these resources and how it’s helped them build strength and confidence while around the bully, and how it has helped them gain a positive image again. 

Check in with the student regularly to see how they are doing and if the bullying has stopped. If it hasn't, continue to work with them and involve other adults as needed to ensure their safety and well-being. Continue to praise and commend to progress and efforts being made by the students as they overcome their bully through a grit mindset. Remind them of positive grit statements and phrases that will get them through tough emotional points during the day, and help them reframe any negative thinking with growth mindset statements. Let them know that you are proud of them and celebrate their success in a tangible way.

No child deserves to come to school to endure bullying no matter their differences or background. However, with your support as their leader, there is hope at the end of the tunnel. As you implement these tips for your students to help them overcome their bully through grit and a growth mindset, you will contribute to a positive culture on your campus that is free from bullying. May your classroom and your school remain a place conducive for learning, and may you be the teacher or leader that students can trust will navigate them through tough times they may endure through bullying.