Bullying is something no one should have to face, yet it happens everywhere—in high school, online, and even in the workplace. It can leave lasting scars, affecting confidence, mental health, and self-worth. But music has the power to heal, inspire, and remind us that we’re not alone. So I made a list of great Anti Bullying Songs for you…
From anthems about self-love and resilience to songs that call out bullies and stand up for the underdog, music can be a powerful tool in the fight against bullying.
Whether you’re looking for motivation, comfort, or just a reminder that things get better, this list of 71 anti-bullying songs has something for everyone.
Let’s dive into these powerful tracks that encourage kindness, strength, and standing up for yourself and others.
Awesome Bully Prevention Songs
Taylor Swift
Mean (2010)
A direct response to bullies, mean girls and critics, this song encourages resilience and proves that success is the best revenge.
Christina Aguilera
Beautiful (2002)
A great song about self-acceptance and embracing your uniqueness, no matter what others say.
Lady Gaga
Born This Way (2011)
Whether in middle school or anywhere! This is an empowering message about self esteem, equality, and embracing who you are.
Katy Perry
Firework (2010)
Encourages people to recognize their inner strength and let their true selves shine with positive thinking.
Demi Lovato
Skyscraper (2011)
A song about rising above negativity and hardships, no matter how broken you feel.
Kelly Clarkson
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) (2011)
An anthem about overcoming obstacles and becoming stronger after facing challenges.
P!nk
Perfect (2010)
Addresses self-doubt and bullying while reminding listeners they are already good enough.
Alessia Cara
Scars to Your Beautiful (2015)
Encourages people to embrace their natural beauty and not conform to society’s standards.
Rachel Platten
Fight Song (2015)
A motivational anthem about standing up for yourself and persevering through struggles.
Andra Day
Rise Up (2015)
A song of hope and strength, reminding people to keep pushing forward in different ways even in tough times.
Justin Timberlake
Can’t Stop the Feeling! (2016)
A feel-good song that the entire school knows by heart and spreads positivity and encourages happiness.
Shawn Mendes
In My Blood (2018)
An emotional song about battling anxiety and not giving up.
Kesha
Praying (2017)
A song about overcoming abuse, finding inner strength, and healing.
Ed Sheeran
What Do I Know? (2017)
A reminder that love and kindness can make the world a better place.
Logic feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid
1-800-273-8255 (2017)
A deeply emotional song about suicide prevention and seeking help during difficult times. I love this song but I would not recommend the music video to young students.
Billie Eilish
idontwannabeyouanymore (2017)
A reflection on self-doubt and the pressure to be someone you’re not.
Selena Gomez
Who Says (2011)
A self-empowerment anthem encouraging people to embrace their worth.
Jessie J
Who You Are (2011)
A reminder to stay true to yourself, even when others try to change you.
Cyndi Lauper
True Colors (1986)
Encourages people to let their true selves shine and be proud of who they are. This song is from my era. The lyrics would make for great conversations with your kids.
Mariah Carey
Hero (1993)
A song about finding strength within yourself and believing in your own power.
Eminem
Not Afraid (2010)
A personal anthem about overcoming fears, struggles, and negativity. Eminem always has a fun way to say what’s on his mind… Great song for any school day. The golden rule with this artist is to keep an eye on many of his lyrics as they can be too much for the younger crowd.
Michael Jackson
Man in the Mirror (1988)
A song about self-reflection and keeping a positive attitude towards the world.
John Lennon
Imagine (1971)
Envisions a world of peace, unity, and acceptance.
Bob Marley
Three Little Birds (1977)
A reassuring song about staying positive and not letting worries take over.
The Beatles
Hey Jude (1968)
A comforting message about overcoming struggles and moving forward.
Tim McGraw
Humble and Kind (2016)
A song promoting kindness, respect, and compassion.
Rascal Flatts
Skin (Sarabeth) (2005)
A touching story about a girl battling cancer and finding hope.
Carrie Underwood
So Small (2007)
A reminder that problems often seem bigger than they really are.
Martina McBride
Concrete Angel (2002)
A heartbreaking song about child abuse and its tragic consequences.
Miley Cyrus
The Climb (2009)
Encourages persistence and believing in yourself despite challenges.
One Direction
Little Things (2012)
A song about embracing imperfections and recognizing self-worth.
BTS
Answer: Love Myself (2018)
This Korean band sings awesome songs… This one encourages self-love and breaking free from self-doubt and criticism.
EXO
Promise (2015)
A heartfelt song about healing, hope, and overcoming struggles.
Superchick
Hero (2001)
A song about the power of small acts of kindness to change lives.
Simple Plan
Welcome to My Life (2004)
A song about feeling misunderstood and struggling through tough times.
Good Charlotte
Hold On (2002)
A song addressing depression and suicide prevention with a message of hope.
Linkin Park
Numb (2003)
Explores feelings of pressure, alienation, and losing oneself. The Ministry of Education should integrate this song into their social studies classes. Great vocal music. Classic…
Evanescence
My Immortal (2003)
A song about grief, loss, and emotional pain.
5 Seconds of Summer
Amnesia (2014)
Expresses the pain of losing someone and struggling with memories.
Troye Sivan
Heaven (2015)
A song about self-acceptance and the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Same Love (2012)
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
Sam Smith
Too Good at Goodbyes (2017)
A song about emotional resilience and protecting oneself from pain.
Halsey
Sorry (2017)
A vulnerable song about self-worth and feeling undeserving of love.
Ariana Grande
No Tears Left to Cry (2018)
An uplifting song about moving forward and staying positive.
Nick Jonas
Chains (2014)
Explores themes of emotional struggle and breaking free.
Avril Lavigne
Keep Holding On (2006)
A song of support and encouragement through difficult times.
Paramore
Last Hope (2013)
A song about holding onto hope even in dark times.
Twenty One Pilots
Stressed Out (2015)
Addresses the pressures of growing up and nostalgia for childhood.
Coldplay
Fix You (2005)
A song about offering support and healing to those in pain.
Imagine Dragons
Demons (2012)
Explores inner struggles and self-doubt.
Keane
Everybody’s Changing (2004)
A song about feeling left behind as the world moves forward.
The Fray
You Found Me (2008)
A song about loss, loneliness, and searching for hope.
OneRepublic
I Lived (2014)
Encourages making the most of life despite hardships.
Train
Drops of Jupiter (2001)
A song about self-discovery and personal growth.
Ben Harper
With My Own Two Hands (2003)
A delightful positivity song about making the world a better place through kindness.
Colbie Caillat
Try (2014)
Encourages self-love and rejecting unrealistic beauty standards.
Sara Bareilles
Brave (2013)
A song about speaking up and standing strong against adversity.
Jason Mraz
I Won’t Give Up (2012)
A prevention positivity song about perseverance and unconditional support.
Meghan Trainor
All About That Bass (2014)
Promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.
Lily Allen
Smile (2006)
A song about overcoming heartbreak and regaining confidence.
Natasha Bedingfield
Unwritten (2004)
Encourages embracing life’s possibilities and writing your own story.
Bastille
Pompeii (2013)
A song about confronting the past and moving forward.
James Bay
Let It Go (2014)
A song about accepting change and personal growth.
Florence + The Machine
Shake It Out (2011)
Encourages letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings.
Tori Kelly
Unbreakable Smile (2015)
A song about staying true to yourself despite criticism.
Sia
The Greatest (2016)
An anthem about strength, perseverance, and resilience.
Lewis Capaldi
Someone You Loved (2019)
A song about loss, grief, and emotional healing.
Conan Gray
Heather (2020)
Explores feelings of jealousy and unrequited love.
Olivia Rodrigo
Brutal (2021)
A raw song about teenage struggles and social pressures.
Tate McRae
You Broke Me First (2020)
A song about emotional resilience after heartbreak.
I kept the best one for last…
Pearl Jam
Jeremy (1991)
Way before social media was around, Pearl Jam made this song based on a 15 year old who took his life in front of his class during English class. All due to the bullying he had received.
Outcomes of Being Bullied
- Mental Health Issues: Bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Victims often struggle with feelings of worthlessness and isolation.
- Low Self-Esteem: Continuous bullying can cause a person to lose confidence in themselves, affecting their self-worth and how they see their place in the world.
- Academic and Work Struggles: Victims of bullying may have trouble concentrating in school or at work, leading to poor performance and disengagement from activities that were once enjoyable.
- Social Withdrawal: Bullying can make people withdraw from social situations, as they may feel distrustful or afraid of being targeted again.
- Substance Abuse: Many victims of bullying turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with emotional pain, anxiety, or depression. Over time, this can escalate into addiction, making it even harder to overcome the effects of bullying.
Conclusion
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up in a world where kindness rules and bullying is a thing of the past. These songs remind us that we all have the power to stand up against bullying—whether it’s in our own lives or for someone else. They teach us to embrace who we are, to speak out, and to treat others with respect.
So, next time you need a pick-me-up, or you catch your kids humming a tune, play one of these tracks. Let it be a reminder that no matter how tough things get, we can always rise above the negativity, be kind, and lift each other up.
Keep these insightful lyrics on hand and use them as tools for teaching resilience, lesson support, self-love, and the importance of kindness—because that’s what truly makes the world a better place.
National Bullying Prevention Month!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and be part of the solution of bullying in all its forms. It’s a chance for communities, schools, and families to unite and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. For more resources and ways to get involved, visit the official website at www.pacer.org/bullying. There’s also contact information on the site if needed.
