In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 3 of Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? . We take a closer look at the roles kids step into during bullying situations. Rather than seeing bullying as a simple “good vs. bad” issue, we explore how both the bully and the victim are often responding to fear in different ways.

We talk about how these roles aren’t usually chosen on purpose. They develop over time as kids try to protect themselves, either by gaining control or by avoiding conflict.

This episode also looks at the influence of family, school environments, friendships, and media. These all shape how kids understand power, control, and relationships, often without realizing it.

At a deeper level, these behaviours connect to basic survival instincts like fight or flight. While these responses once helped humans survive, they can now show up in ways that affect how kids relate to each other.

The focus of this chapter is understanding. When kids begin to recognize the roles they’re playing, they’re better able to step out of them and respond in more thoughtful and confident ways.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read the full book ⁠Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?⁠
• Explore our ⁠bullying prevention and SEL programs⁠
• Sign up for the ⁠Weekly Bullying Prevention Newsletter⁠
• Join our ⁠signature online course, MAP STARS

In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 2 of Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? and looking more closely at the long-term effects of bullying.

Through a powerful story, this chapter shows how bullying doesn’t just hurt in the moment and that the emotional impacts linger, shaping how a child sees themselves, how they relate to others, and how safe they feel in the world. When bullying is repeated or left unaddressed, the effects can follow kids into adolescence and even adulthood.

This chapter also introduces different types of bullying, including physical bullying and psychological bullying. While it doesn’t go deeply into each category yet, it helps listeners begin to recognize that bullying is not just about physical aggression. Hurtful words, exclusion, intimidation, and ongoing emotional pressure can leave just as deep of a mark.

Understanding the long-term effects of bullying is a critical part of effective bullying prevention. When we recognize both the visible and invisible harm, we are better equipped to intervene early and respond with care. Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, or parent, this chapter builds awareness around how different forms of bullying affect a child’s emotional well-being.

Bullying prevention starts with understanding what’s at stake and why early awareness matters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read the full book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?
• Explore our bullying prevention and SEL programs
• Sign up for the Weekly Bullying Prevention Newsletter
• Join our signature online course, MAP STARS

In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 1 of Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? and beginning with one of the most important steps in bullying prevention: learning how to recognize bullying behavior.

Before we can address bullying, we have to notice it. This chapter shares real-life stories that help kids, parents, and educators identify the signs of bullying; not just obvious teasing or aggression, but the subtle behaviors that often go unnoticed. It encourages us to slow down and pay attention to how words, tone, exclusion, and reactions can affect others.

One of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that bullying behavior isn’t limited to “other people.” At times, all of us can act in ways that hurt someone else. When we understand that bullying can show up in small, everyday moments, we make space for growth and change.

Bullying prevention begins with awareness. Whether you’re a teacher looking to help students recognize bullying behavior, a counselor supporting social emotional learning (SEL), or a parent wanting to understand what your child may be experiencing, this chapter lays the groundwork. It sets the stage for deeper conversations about emotional reactions, responsibility, and how we can all respond differently.

Resources Mentioned:

• Read the full book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?
• Explore our bullying prevention and SEL programs
• Sign up for the Weekly Bullying Prevention Newsletter
• Join our signature online program, MAP STARS