I've been fortunate enough to not have much experience with bullying in my own life, save for one time at summer camp when I was 11. It was actually a sort of interesting point in my life because my father gave me some of the best advice he ever gave me. You see, a few kids chose to rag on me a few times a day, saying many mean spirited things to me at every opportunity. I told me dad about it and he said "Every time they insult you, just say you don't care." Even back then, I said to myself "Dad, I love you but that is the dumbest thing I ever heard." The next day, sure enough the pricks came around and started their usual barrage of bullshit. Faced with no other options, I decided to adopt my fathers strategy:
"So, it must suck to know nobody gives a shit about you?"
"I don't care."
"...it doesn't bother you that nobody is going to go to your funeral?"
"No, I don't care."
"You're pathetic then."
"I honestly do not care."
And sure enough they never bothered me again. I was honestly stunned as to how well that worked. I think maybe parents should fill in their children on this because it definitely seems to have some truth to it. Don't give the bully what they want and they will give up.
On another note, one thing I definitely wish would be lifted to help the bullying problem are bullshit "Zero-tolerance" policies regarding violence. I honestly don't see why we shouldn't give the power of retaliation to the victims, since obviously bullies could not care less about what the school says you can and cannot do. I know most bully victims are not the types to punch back or anything, which is one reason why they often are targeted, but in those cases where they do punch back should be all the more encouraged in my opinion. Say what you will but a punch in the face sends quiet the message and won't give the bully the power fix that many desire.
Also I don't buy the argument that a bully is a victim of circumstance and doesn't deserve that. Having a rough past is not an excuse to be an asshole.
