Billy the Bulldog Learns About Bullying - A Children's Story

Billy the Bulldog Learns About Bullying

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

Being kind is always stronger than being mean. Bullying hurts everyone, including the bully. If someone is mean to you, speak up, stay calm, and tell a trusted adult.
Never join in or laugh when others are being hurt. Standing up for what’s right takes courage, not fists or words that wound. A true friend protects others and chooses kindness every time. We all deserve respect, love, and safety, every single one of us. When we lift each other up, the whole world becomes a better place.

It was a sunny morning at Pawsville Elementary, and Billy the Bulldog wagged his tail as he trotted through the schoolyard. He loved his friends, his teacher, and especially lunchtime when everyone shared snacks. Billy was friendly and strong, and everyone liked him, except for one thing that worried him.

Lately, he had noticed that not everyone was being treated kindly.

During recess, he saw Max the Monkey teasing little Penny the Poodle about her fluffy hair. “You look like a cotton ball!” Max laughed. Some of the other kids giggled, but Penny’s ears drooped.

Billy’s tummy twisted. He didn’t like what he saw, but he wasn’t sure what to do.

That afternoon, when he got home, he told his parents what happened.
“Mom,” he said, “Max was teasing Penny today. Everyone laughed, and I didn’t, but I didn’t say anything either. Was that bullying?”

Mom Bulldog nodded. “Yes, sweetheart. When someone says or does something to hurt another on purpose and keeps doing it, that’s bullying.”

Dad Bulldog added, “There are different kinds of bullying, Billy. Sometimes it’s physical, like pushing or hitting. Sometimes it’s verbal, like calling names or teasing. And sometimes it’s social, like leaving someone out or spreading rumors.”

Billy’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know there were so many kinds!”

Mom smiled gently. “That’s why it’s important to talk about it now, before it happens to you or someone else. The more you understand, the better you can help.”

Billy thought about that all night. He didn’t want to be a bully. But he also didn’t want to be the kid who just stood by and did nothing.

The next day at school, Billy saw something that made his heart sink. Max the Monkey had knocked over Toby the Turtle’s lunch tray and said, “Oops, slowpoke!”

Toby looked down, embarrassed, as the other kids laughed.

Billy’s paws clenched, but then he remembered what his parents had said: Speak up, stay calm, and tell someone if it doesn’t stop.

So he took a deep breath, walked over, and said, “Hey, Max. That wasn’t cool. Toby didn’t deserve that.”

Max frowned. “What? It was just a joke!”
Billy shook his head. “If it hurts someone’s feelings, it’s not a joke. You wouldn’t like it if someone did that to you.”

The playground grew quiet. Max looked around, saw everyone watching, and muttered, “Whatever,” before walking away.

Toby looked up at Billy. “Thanks, Billy. I didn’t know what to do.”
Billy smiled. “Anytime. We have to look out for each other.”

Later that day, Miss Daisy, the Dalmatian, their teacher, called Billy to her desk.
“I heard what you did at recess,” she said warmly. “That took courage, Billy. You stood up for someone without being mean to yourself. That’s what true strength looks like.”

Billy’s tail wagged proudly. “I just didn’t want Toby to feel bad.”

Miss Daisy smiled. “And that’s what makes a good leader. Remember, bullies often act out because they’re hurting inside. The best thing you can do is stand up, tell a teacher, and always lead with kindness.”

Billy nodded. “So if someone’s being bullied, I should tell a grown-up, not fight back?”
“Exactly,” said Miss Daisy. “Fighting or yelling only makes things worse. But speaking calmly and getting help makes things better.”

That weekend, Billy’s parents sat down with him again to talk more about what he’d learned.
Mom said, “Sometimes, people who bully others do it because they feel small inside. They think hurting someone else will make them feel big.”
Dad added, “But real strength isn’t about power. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”

Billy thought for a moment. “So what should I do if someone ever bullies me?”

Mom smiled gently. “First, walk away if you can. Don’t argue or hit back. Then tell an adult you trust, a teacher, a parent, or even the school counselor. And remember, you are never alone.”

Billy nodded. “And if I see someone else getting bullied?”
Dad said, “Be brave, son. Speak up like you did for Toby. You might be the reason someone feels safe again.”

Billy wagged his tail. “I can do that.”

The following Monday, something unexpected happened. Billy saw Max sitting alone on the swings. He looked sad.

Billy hesitated, then walked over. “Hey, Max. Are you okay?”
Max shrugged. “Not really. My big brother’s been calling me names at home. I guess I was just taking it out on everyone else.”

Billy sat beside him. “That sounds tough. But you don’t have to take it out on other people. You can talk to someone about it, like Miss Daisy or your parents.”

Max looked at him. “You’re not mad at me?”
Billy smiled. “No. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what we do next.”

Max smiled weakly. “Thanks, Billy. I’m going to say sorry to Penny and Toby tomorrow.”

And he did.

The next day, Max apologized to both of them. “I was wrong,” he said. “I shouldn’t have teased you or been mean. I’m really sorry.”

Penny smiled. “Thank you, Max. That means a lot.”
Toby nodded. “We forgive you.”

Miss Daisy overheard and beamed. “See what happens when we talk things out? Forgiveness makes room for friendship.”

That afternoon, the whole class played together. For the first time in weeks, everyone laughed, and no one was left out.

Billy realized something wonderful: kindness really is contagious.

Poem:

If someone hurts with words or hands,
Be brave enough to take a stand.
Use calm, kind words, don’t shout or fight,
Show them love, and do what’s right.
When others fall, help lift them high,
Spread kindness wide, and never lie.
Real strength is gentle, brave, and true.
It starts with me and grows through you.

💬 Thoughtful Questions for Kids and Parents:

1.     What are the three main types of bullying that Billy learned about?

2.     How did Billy help Toby the Turtle without fighting or yelling?

3.     What should you do if you see someone being bullied, or if someone bullies you?

4.     Why do you think Max the Monkey acted like a bully at first?

5.     What does true strength mean to you?