Peer support
Help a Friend
You do not have to solve the situation for them. Being steady, respectful, and supportive can matter a lot.
What you can do
- Listen without pressuring them.
- Take what they say seriously.
- Let them know they do not have to handle everything alone.
- Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult.
- Ask what kind of support they want.
- Check in later.
- Help them find trustworthy resources.
What not to do
- “Just ignore it.”
- “Fight back.”
- “It’s not a big deal.”
- Spread their story to other students.
- Publicly confront, threaten, or retaliate against the person involved.
Supporting someone does not mean taking the situation into your own hands. If you think your friend may be in danger, involve a trusted adult promptly.