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Bullying: The HOT Response

The HOT (Aggressive) Response to Bullying

Aggressive or "HOT" responses to bullying usually involve fighting back or responding in kind. Aggressive responses include:

Looking HOT

Threatening demeanor involves:

  1. Head up.
  2. Glaring stare, too much eye contact.
  3. Tense posture, clenched fists, tight muscles.
  4. Angry, challenging facial expressions.

Thinking HOT

"Oher-blaming Perceiving Style“ with statements like:

  1. It's all their fault."
  2. "If I’m calm, they won't listen to me
  3. "1f1 don't get mad and fight back, they’ll get what they want"
  4. "Others will think I'm a sissy if l don't fight back.

Acting HOT

Behavior that attacks, belittles, subjects, controls, or defeats someone, such as:

  1. Speaking with elevated voice volume, yelling.
  2. Speaking with a hostile voice tone.
  3. Making derogatory or threatening statements
  4. Hitting or fighting.
(See “
(See “Appendix” for full page version of icons for use in the classroom.)

Drawbacks of the HOT (Aggressive) Response

Drawbacks of aggressive responses to bullying include injury from fighting with or retaliation from the bully, feelings of anger at self, and punishment from authority figures. The HOT response may relieve stress in the short term, but it can also lead to serious injury and even arrest.