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Bullying: The COLD Response

The COLD (Passive) Response to Bullying

Passive or "COLD" responses to bullying usually involve giving in to the bully's demands and doing what he/she wants. Passive responses include:

Looking COLD

Victim-like" demeanor involves:

  1. Head down, No eye contact with bully
  2. Body bent over.
  3. Sad or blank facial expression.
  4. Timid body movements

Thinking COLD

"Self-blaming Perceiving Style" with statements like:

  1. "It's my fault."
  2. "I deserve to be treated this way
  3. "There's nothing I can do about (See "Appendix" for full page version of icons for use in the classroom.)
  4. "If I don't do what they say, I’ll get hurt."

Acting COLD

Behavior that exhibits giving up, running away, withdrawing or becoming depressed such as:

  1. Do what the bully says.
  2. Mutter or speak with low voice volume.
  3. Cry
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(See “Appendix” for full page version of icons for use in the classroom.)

Drawbacks of the COLD (Passive) Response

Drawbacks of passive responses to bullying include more bullying. negative thoughts about self, and feelings of anger, frustration or sadness. The COLD response may bring temporary relief from the bullying; however, this short-term relief will be outweighed by the negative long-term consequences.