The WITS strategies help children from age 4 to 10 deal with peer conflict and bullying in safe and positive ways. By Walking away, Ignoring, Talking it out, and Seeking help, students learn how to make kind choices, manage emotions, and ask for support when needed.
Walking away means leaving a situation where you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or upset. It is okay to remove yourself if you feel bad vibes. You don’t have to say anything; just leave. You can also take a friend with you if you’d like. If you’re still feeling unsure or unsafe, go to a trusted adult and ask for help.
Examples: If someone is bothering you and you don’t know how to react, it’s OK to walk away. If you can, tell them how you feel or that you are leaving. If you are unable to speak out and you are still very bothered, simply leaving the situation is OK.
This is an action, not a passive response. It is a powerful choice to not respond to hurtful words or teasing. It can take time and effort for you to feel comfortable with this strategy and for it to work but it is worth it. Try focusing on something happy, like a memory, your favourite hobby, or somewhere that makes you feel calm. If ignoring doesn’t work, seek help.
Using words and sharing your feelings to solve problems may require courage. It can help others understand how their actions make you feel. If you feel strong enough to do it, this strategy can lead to a solution where everyone feels better.
Asking for help often feels hard but it is very important. Every child deserves to feel safe and that the adults in their lives will help if needed. If the first person you ask doesn’t help you to fix the problem, continue asking others you trust until someone can help you.
Introduce each strategy: Start by introducing one strategy at a time in a group discussion. Explain each with examples and have students practice by sharing about when they might use it.
Use puppets: Use puppets or interactive role-play to act out each strategy.
WITS Pick books and lesson plans: Available to subscribed school personnel on the WITS website.
Create skits: Students work in small groups to create and act out short skits that show how to use each strategy.
Small group discussions: Break into groups to discuss personal experiences where these strategies could apply.
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