Hurtful words can come in many
forms, including:
• Name calling
• Spreading rumors or gossip
• Ignoring someone
• Showing off or bragging
• Teasing
• Bullying
• Acting bossy
• Insulting others
“You’re Mean!”
When Words Hurt Us
How to Handle Hurtful Words
1.Stand Up for Yourself
Sometimes kids don’t always know when they are being mean.
Tell the person what they are doing that is hurting you, and ask
them to stop.
2.Just Ignore It
If a bully keeps bothering you, don’t react. Just ignore the bully
and walk away. Eventually they will get bored and leave you
alone.
3.Tell How You Feel
Some kids may know they are making fun of others, but they
don’t understand how much they are hurting them. Use this
sentence to tell how you feel: “I feel _____ when you _____.”
Just fill in the blanks.
“Mean words hurt just as
much as kicking or hitting.”
4.Ask a Grown-up for Help
Try to solve the problem first, but if it isn’t working, it is always a
good idea to ask for help from a grown up you trust.
• Never laugh when someone else is teased or mistreated.
• Set a good example for others.
• Treat all people with respect-even those who
are being mean.
• Never use violence to solve a problem.
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24 – Hour Crisis Line
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(256) 767-6210
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Treat others the way you want to be treated
Use the tips you learned about handling mean words to
fill in the blanks below:
1. Shake your head and ______________________ away.
2. ________________ the person completely.
3. _________________ up for yourself and tell the person
how you feel.
4. Keep your cool and don’t get ___________.
5. Ask a ______________ to help you talk to the person.
6. ____________ to a teacher or family member about
the problem.
7. Keep a ___________ of your feelings.
8. ________ people who are mean to you whenever
you can.
9. Be a good _________ by using kind words when you
talk to others.
10. Never use ________ to deal with a problem.
FRIEND
STAND
EXAMPLE
WALK
TALK
IGNORE
UPSET
DIARY
VIOLENCE
AVOID
If someone is hurting you, tell an adult that you can trust.
Use the word list to find adults you can talk to in the word
block below.