One of the most counterintuitive truths about bullying: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Bullying Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of bullying
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking bullying is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging bullying without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing bullying to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for bullying while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Bullying
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting bullying, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Bullying
Many people find that when they stop fighting bullying and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of bullying is partly the struggle against it.