Gossip and Rumors: Breaking the Chain

Gossip and Rumors: Breaking the Chain

Adapted by: Danica T. Delos Santos IV-BJA

Face it: people gossip. They always have, and they always will. You can’t change that, but you can change what happens when a rumor comes your way.

Make the rumor stop with you

            If you decide that the rumor is hurtful on some way, make a stand. Decide that you don’t want to take part in spreading it. Others may continue to circulate the gossip, but you’ve made a personal choice to stay out of it. Chances are the rumor will die or much more quickly than if you had joined the buzz.

Don’t be an Audience

            When someone comes to you with a rumor, try not to be an audience. This person may want to hurt somebody or may be after attention or power. It can be hard to resist hearing some juicy dish, especially if you’re bored, but make an effort to say, “I’m not interested in hearing mean gossip, thanks.”

            Just like with physical bullying, there are no “innocent bystanders” with hurtful rumors. Hearing and reacting to the rumor, and letting it continue, makes you almost as responsible for its damage as the person who started it. Instead, don’t provide another pair of ears for the rumor-starter. If he isn’t getting the reaction or attention he’s seeking, he’ll be less likely to do it in the future.

Be a Peacemaker

            If one of your friends wants to hurt someone else by spreading lies or rumors, speak up. Let your friends know that this isn’t the right thing to do. If you need to, find another who feels the same way and talk to the others together. If rumors are getting of control and someone is being a real victim, get a counselor of teacher involved.

Respect others’ privacy

            If you don’t want other people talking about the personal things in your life, don’t do it to others. When you hear personal information about a classmate or friend, try to keep it to yourself, and don’t worry about whether it’s true or not. If you respect people’s privacy, they’ll more likely to do the same for you.