Coach Wiffle, coach of the TeamMates, says...bullying in school and sports is a  problem that can't be ignored. It can make his TeamMates feel hurt, scared, sick, lonely, embarrassed and sad. Bullies, like Trouble and his Hoo-Doos, might hit, push, or kick to hurt a TeamMate, or use words to call names, threaten, tease, or scare them. Some of the Hoo-Doos like to threaten TeamMates or try to make them do things they don't want to do. These bullies might say mean things about a TeamMate, grab their stuff, make fun of them, or leave them out of playing a sport on purpose.

Cyber Bullying Is a Big Deal

Cyber bullying is a big problem that can affect anyone on the internet. More than half of all children who play sports, say they have been cyber bullied or teased. Being bullied can make kids feel really bad. The stress of dealing with bullies can even make kids feel sick. Bullying can make kids not want to play sports or go to school. It's hard to keep your mind on the game or schoolwork when you're worried about how you're going to deal with the bully near your gym locker. Cyber bullies are often popular and viewed by other students as the "coolest" in their classes.

Bullying bothers everyone

Yes, bullying bothers everyone — and not just the kids who are getting picked on. Bullying can make sports a place of fear and can lead to more violence and more stress for everyone.

Why Do the Hoo-Doos Act That Way?

Coach Wiffle thinks that some bullies, like Trouble and his Hoo-Doos, are looking for attention. They might think bullying is a way to be popular or to get what they want. Most bullies are trying to make themselves feel more important. When the Hoo-Doos pick on the TeamMates, it can make them feel big and powerful. The Hoo-Doos learned to bully from Trouble where he is angry and shouting at them all the time. Maybe they think that being angry, calling names, and pushing people around is a normal way to act. Some bullies are copying what they've seen someone else do.

Sometimes bullies know that what they are doing or saying hurts others.  But maybe the Hoo-Doos don't know how hurtful their cyber bullying actions can be. Most bullies don't understand or care about the feelings of others. Bullies often pick on someone they think they can have power over. They might pick on a TeamMate who gets upset easily or who has trouble sticking up for themselves. Getting a big reaction out of a TeamMate can make Trouble feel like he has the power he wants. Sometimes he picks on someone who is smarter than he is or different from him in some way. Sometimes the Hoo-Doos just pick on a TeamMate for no reason at all.

 How to Handle Bullying

Yes, bullying is a big problem that affects a lot of people, but what do you do if someone is bullying you? Coach Wiffle's advice falls into two categories: preventing a run-in with a Hoo-Doo and what to do if you end up face-to-face with a Hoo-Doo.

Tips from Coach Wiffle in Preventing a Run-In With a Hoo-Doo

Don't give the Hoo-Doo a chance. As much as you can, avoid the bully. You can't go into hiding or skip class, of course. But if you can take a different route and avoid the Hoo-Door, do so.

Stand tall and be brave. When you're scared of another person, you're probably not feeling your bravest. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a Hoo-Doo. How does a brave person look and act? Stand tall and you'll send the message: "Don't mess with me." It's easier to feel brave when you feel good about yourself.

Feel good about you. Nobody's perfect, but what can you do to look and feel your best? Maybe you'd like to be more fit. If so, maybe you'll decide to get more exercise, watch less TV, and eat healthier snacks. Or maybe you feel you look best when you shower in the morning before playing. If so, you could decide to get up a little earlier so you can be clean and refreshed for the big game.

Get a buddy (and be a buddy). Two is better than one if you're trying to avoid being bullied. Make a plan to walk with another TeamMate or two on the way to the play ground or recess or lunch or wherever you think you might meet the bully. Offer to do the same if a TeamMate is having Hoo-Doo trouble. Get involved if you see bullying going on on your school play ground — tell an adult, like Coach Wiffle, stick up for the kid being bullied, and tell the bully to stop.

Tips from Coach Wiffle when a Hoo-Doo Says or Does Something to You

Ignore the bully. If you can, try your best to ignore the bully's threats. Pretend you don't hear them and walk away quickly to a place of safety. Hoo-Doos want a big reaction to their teasing and meanness. Acting as if you don't notice and don't care is like giving no reaction at all, and this just might stop a bully's behavior.

Stand up for yourself. Pretend to feel really brave and confident. Stop bullying now by tell the Hoo-Doo, "No! Stop it!" in a loud voice. Then walk away, or run if you have to. The TeamMates also can stand up for each other by telling a Hoo-Doo to stop teasing or scaring someone else, and then walk away together. If a bully wants you to do something that you don't want to do—say, "No!" and walk away. If you do what a Hoo-Doo says to do, they will likely keep bullying you. Bullies tend to bully TeamMates who don't stick up for themselves.

Don't bully back. Don't hit, kick, or push back to deal with someone bullying you or your friends. Fighting back just satisfies a bully and it's dangerous, too, because someone could get hurt. You're also likely to get in trouble. It's best to stay with others, stay safe, and get help from an adult, like Coach Wiffle.

Don't show your feelings. Plan ahead. How can you stop yourself from getting angry or showing you're upset? Try distracting yourself (counting backwards from 100, spelling the word "friend" backwards, etc.) to keep your mind occupied until you are out of the situation and somewhere safe where you can show your feelings.

Tell an adult, like Coach Wiffle. If you are being bullied, it's very important to tell an adult. Find someone you trust and go and tell them what is happening to you. Teachers, coaches, parents, and lunchroom assistants at school can all help to stop bullying. Sometimes bullies stop as soon as an adult finds out because they're afraid that they will be punished by them. This is not tattling on someone who has done something small — bullying is wrong and it helps if everyone who gets bullied or sees someone being bullied speaks up.

What Happens to Bullies?

In the end, most bullies wind up in trouble. If they keep acting mean and hurtful, sooner or later they may have only a few friends left—usually other Hoo-Doos who are just like them. The power they wanted slips away fast. Other kids move on and leave bullies behind. Some kids who bully blame others. But every kid has a choice about how to act. Some Hoo-Doos realize that they don't get the respect they want by threatening others. They may have thought that bullying would make them popular, but they soon find out that other kids just think of them as trouble-making losers. The Hoo-Doos are never invited to the parties at the HALL of FUN. The good news is that Hoo-Doos can learn to change their behavior. Coach Wiffle helps them to change and treat others fairly and with respect. Hoo-Doos can change if they learn to use their power in positive ways. In the end, whether Hoo-Doos decide to change their ways is up to them. Some Hoo-Doos turn into great TeamMates. They are even invited to all the fun parties at the HALL of FUN. Some bullies, like Trouble, never learn. But no one needs to put up with his bully behavior. If you or someone you know is bothered by a bully, talk to someone you trust. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and being bullied makes one feel unsafe. Tell someone about it and keep telling until something is done.