What to do if you are being bullied
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Fact Sheet
What to do if you are being bullied
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There are many things you can do if you’re being bullied. Different strategies can work in different situations. You can try and work it out by yourself. But if the bullying doesn’t stop, you might find it helpful to ask someone else for advice. Don’t be afraid to let someone know that you are being bullied—other people can be a great help.
Working it out yourself
Depending on how bad the bullying is (and as long as you aren’t feeling unsafe, frightened or physically threatened), you might decide to try and work it out by yourself first. Try and remember that no matter how hard you try, the bully might not be willing to change his or her behavior. At this point, talking to someone else can be really helpful.
The following tips might be particularly helpful if you’re dealing with verbal bullying on your own.
When possible, ignore the bully. Ignoring can be helpful, particularly for one-time cases. Bullies are looking for a reaction from you and often lose interest if they aren’t given the satisfaction of making you upset.
Suggestions for ignoring the bully:
- Walk away when the bully approaches you. Try and imagine that you’re walking away from a friend. This can be a way of making sure your body language (which you’re usually unaware of) doesn’t give away a sense of fear;
- Concentrate on something else. Try thinking about what you’ll do next weekend, counting to 100, or planning your homework;
- Have a saying or a statement that you can repeat in your head when the bully approaches you to block out a sense of fear.
Build a wall around you. It might be helpful to build an invisible wall around you by visualizing it in your mind. Any verbal abuse then just bounces off the wall.
Use visualization. Bullies can be pretty scary. Picturing that person looking silly might help to make them less problematic for you. For example, picture the bully’s head shrinking, or picture the bully in his or her underwear.
Stay positive. It can be hard to remember all your good points when someone is doing their best to be negative. Try to think of all the things you do well, and remember that you are a valuable person. Thinking of how bad the bully must be feeling can also help you stay positive.
Hang around other people. You might be safer if you stay in groups. If you are alone, try to identify people who can offer you safety.
Be confident. Bullies usually pick on people that they think are weaker than they are, so it might help if you stand up to them.
Suggestions on how to stand up to a bully:
- Telling him or her to leave you alone may get a bully off your back;
- Ever heard of the phrase “kill them with kindness”? Being nice to a bully may throw him or her off;
- Using humor can also throw a bully off track;
- Use positive self-talk. Try saying to yourself something like I know I am better than that. I’m not like that. I don’t have to pick on other people to know that I am good;
- Remember that your friends accept you for who you are.
Keep out of a bully’s way. It might be possible for you to avoid the bully. This can mean getting to school in a different way, or avoiding the places that you know he or she hangs out. By avoiding a bully, you’re not giving in, but looking after yourself and making sure you are happier and more comfortable.
Asking someone for help
To stop bullying—whether verbal, written or cyberbullying — it can be helpful to tell someone that you are being bullied. This can seem scary at first, but telling someone can lighten your load and help you to work out how to solve the problem. Talking to someone is particularly important if you feel unsafe or frightened, or if you don’t have many friends. Asking for help or talking to someone about your situation is not being weak or “giving in.” In fact, telling someone can take a lot of strength and courage.
There are many people who might be able to help, including friends, older brothers and sisters, teachers, family, counselors or parents. Teachers and counselors are specially trained to help you. In the workplace, you could also talk to a human resource manager or union representative.
Some tips for getting help
- It might be easier if you talk to someone you know well and trust. This person can give you much needed support and might have suggestions for dealing with the situation that you might not have considered.
- If you decide to talk to a teacher or counselor, you might feel more comfortable taking a friend with you. If you feel you might get too nervous to speak, write down what you’d like to say on paper or in an e-mail.
- If you think that the person you’re speaking with doesn’t believe you, or isn’t taking you seriously, or if that person doesn’t help you take action, it doesn’t mean that your feelings aren’t valid or that the bullying should continue. It’s important you tell someone else and continue to do so until you get the help you need.
- Being bullied can be upsetting and stressful, and it can affect your life in many different ways, including your self-esteem, relationships, work and education.
Your rights
Remember that everyone has the right to live, work, study and play in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. No one deserves or asks to be bullied.
For more information:
If you suspect your friend is being bullied, you might find the fact sheet called What to do if your friend is being bullied.
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
Kids Health Dealing with Bullies
Last reviewed: Mar 11, 2013
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corennatrying to ignore a bully is bullshit. they will just try and bully you more. you have to fight back. yeah right trying to concentrate on something else is impossible. because you know that the bully is always waiting for you let it be after school or while you are walking to the cafeteria to have lunch. these kids MUST FIGHT BACK! yes you might get in trouble, but the situation will start to change.
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ReachOut StaffHi there -
We here at ReachOut agree that it is really tough to ignore a bully. Yet, we can’t condone physical violence - but think that there are ways to “fight back” that are acceptable, including telling someone in authority who can intervene on your behalf, or acting in ways that say “enough” such as creating an antibullying movement in your school, speaking out in a public forum, writing a column or guest blog, or starting a school club that promotes acceptance of differences, or post a comment in support of a person on a social networking site or report a bully to the site’s safety center. We agree with this person - it’s important to take a stand, not just stand-by, but act in a safe, strong way to end the injustice of bullying. We would love to hear from others how they have taken a stand to help end bullying.
The ReachOut Crew
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Kristianna MorallsNumber one on this list should be: understand that this is not a problem with you…the bullies are the ones with a problem. You do not need to change, you are fine the way that you are. They will try to convince you that there is something wrong with you when it is really them. Most targets do not report bullying because they are they are afraid adults will do nothing or the wrong thing…leading to retaliation. But you need to talk to someone! You are not alone and this is not something anyone should try to go through alone. Also know that research has shown that bullies are much more likely to end up in jail, use drugs, and be abusers in relationships into adult life. Pity them, don’t give them the power. You will go on to a successful life and look where they will be. Do not suffer alone, confide in someone!
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MariaThere are girls in some of my classes who are “subtle” bullies. I can hear them making comments on me or laughing at me when I say something. They roll their eyes when I speak. When they talk to me, I don’t want to say anything back because I get the feeling that they’re secretly insulting me in front of their friends, like an inside joke I can’t get. I’ve tried ignoring them, but it doesn’t help. I’m afraid if I tell a teacher, I won’t have enough proof that I’m being picked on and I’ll just be labeled as paranoid. I know I’m being bullied. How can I make sure my teacher realizes this?
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ReachOut StaffWe encourage you to reach out and tell someone what’s happening and how you feel. Can you tell your teacher exactly what you told us? Can you tell her/him that you are worried that she/he might dismiss your concerns? Have you shared this with your parents? The most important thing is that you DON’T keep this to yourself. Bullying can take all kinds of forms and most often a young person needs an adult to help make it stop.
We wish you well.
The Reach Out Crew
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ReachOut StaffThanks for writing to Reach Out and sharing this very difficult situation. The very best thing you can do is let a responsible adult know that your friend is thinking seriously about suicide. Do NOT keep this a secret. Your friend needs help now. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- TALK (8255) for assistance. Another option is to call the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000, available 24/7. Boys Town is also available for email support online at http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.o or th…rough a live chat feature at https://secure.yourlifeyourvoi You c….an check out the Get Help section on ReachOut.com for more information about the Lifeline and Boys Town.
And it sounds like you are having your own tough time. Please do not keep these feelings to yourself. Do you have a school counselor that you can speak with, or a teacher who will listen? Can you let your parents know? You may find it helpful to speak with a mental health professional. Things will get better, but right now when they seem the hardest having someone to talk to can help. Again, the Get Help section on Reach Out can give you more information on different types of mental health professionals and how to find one in your area. The most important thing is that you take action now to help yourself and to help your friend.
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MariaI have told my parents. I think I will try addressing my teacher like you said. Thank you so much.
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Taylor Paige Spieshow do you know if you are being bullies????
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ReachOut StaffBullying usually involves one or more people teasing you, being violent towards you, or harassing you on an ongoing basis. Bullying can happen in person and online and through cell phones. Sometimes the person doing the bullying will say “I was only joking” but that doesn’t excuse the bullying behavior. Bullying is wrong. If you feel you are being bullied, share what is happening with someone who can help you and can help put a stop to the bullying. Don’t keep what is happening a secret.
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Cheyenne Autumn StambaughIt’s Not fun being bullied i was went a first started school and i still am
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ReachOut StaffHey Cheyenne, we’re so sad to hear that you’ve been bullied for so long. No one should ever have to put up with it. Have you told anyone what you’re going through? If you’ve tried stopping it yourself and it hasn’t helped, the next step is telling someone, like your parents or a school counselor. There are people out there who can help. Read about one person’s bullying experience here: http://us.reachout.com/real-st We’....re wishing you the best! ReachOut
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CelinaRheannaI have been bullied since i moved here in 3rd grade, it started out little things then got bigger as i got older.
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ReachOut StaffSorry to hear you’re getting bullied. There are many things you can do if you are being bullied. This fact sheet may help you work through this difficult time: http://us.reachout.com/facts/f ...
You’re not alone, many people experience bullying and come out the other end of it. Read this young persons bullying experience: http://us.reachout.com/real-st Good ...luck!
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Kyle Vickroyi am bullied all the time because i am small and weak. they then proceed to punch me and i defend myself but they still wont stop. what should i do?
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ReachOut StaffHi Kyle -
Looks like you have read the ReachOut fact sheet on “What to do if you are being bullied”. Have you tried some of those suggestions? It also sounds like you might be trying to fight this battle on your own. Is there someone you trust that you can tell about what’s happening to you? Best to not keep being bullied to yourself. You can also always give the Boys Town National Hotline a ring - available 24/7 for free and anonymous. Find out more about Boys Town on this fact sheet from ReachOut http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/boys-town-national-hotline
We are thinking of you.
The ReachOut Crew
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Andreatheors aa girll that hates me to death she like to bully me around verbaly and she is alot heavier then i am i all ready talked to the school about it but nothing much was done ans she still verbaly bullies me what should i do
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ReachOut StaffHi Andrea. We’re glad you told the school. That’s a brave step to take and we’re sorry that more was not done about this. We encourage you to continue telling adults until it stops (your parents, a specific teacher or coach you trust, etc.). No matter what may be going on with this girl, and we’re guessing she may have some issues causing her to bully, you do not deserve to be verbally abused. Take care,
The ReachOut Crew
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Alyssa VotawI know the feeling.I am being bullied for being “emo”.Lucky 4 me i have my loving and supporting friends by my side.
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Samantha KnerrI’ve been bullied since pre-k and when I moved here it died down a little up until fourth grade into middle and even high school where it got worse. I never did anything to anyone. I became invisible when things became worse at home. I even got depression where I’ve done things I’m not proud of. I don’t how to deal with it anymore. Like today I got bullied again. I hate when people saw it’ll get better. It doesn’t!
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ReachOut StaffHey Samantha- It sounds like you have been dealing with bullies for a long time & it’s really taking it’s toll on you. It’s not your fault these bullies are picking on you. Can you tell a trusted adult about the situation? They could help you try to stop the bullies, give you emotional support, or if need be, help you change schools. Talking to someone can really help:http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/how-talking-to-someone-can-help. Hang in there <3
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KenzieOne other question… what do you do if you’re being bullied by someone you don’t know? The peer pressure is starting to get to me! Alot of people used to post mean things about me and things about me on facebook that wasn’t true. I deleted my facebook, but there are times when I try to make new friends, but someone who doesn’t like me has gotten to them first. probably telling them not to be my friend or that i did or said something that I didn’t say.
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ReachOut StaffHey, there. Being bullied sucks, but it sounds like you’ve taken some steps to protect yourself by deleting your Facebook account. Have a look at this fact sheet’s how to get help section for more ideas on how to cope: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/what-is-girl-versus-girl-bullying The R.eachOut Crew
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JayO123@Andrea I’m going through the same thing. There are two girls who bullied me everyday and destroyed my reputation and now my best friends are against me due to the poisoning of minds these two girls did to me.
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ReachOut StaffHey JayO123, Thanks for sharing. If your are being bullied we encourage you to take the brave step and tell a trusted adult. They can help. You’re not alone & you will get through this. Thinking of you!
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Abby Hoferkampwant to thank the reach out crow the bully finaly said sorry they are back in school and we are firend and i fell safer in school and at home!
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ReachOut StaffThat’s awesome, Abby! Thanks for letting us know that it got better for you! The Reach Out Crew
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Abby Hoferkampim being bullied at school iv talked to the princable and teachers even my parents but nothings stoping te bully they got kicked out of school but the come to my house and bus stop i dont know what to do!
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ReachOut StaffHey Abby, good for you for talking your parents, principal and teachers! That is the most important thing to do, and hopefully you’ve made them understand the seriousness of your situation (maybe that’s why the bully got kicked out of school?) With the bully/ies still harassing you, we’re concerned for your safety, so talk to your parents since he/she/they’re coming to your house, and if you think you are in danger call the police immediately. If you need to talk to someone and don’t feel heard by the people you normally go to, please call the Boys (Not just for boys!) Town Hotline at 1-800-448-3000. Wishing you the best, The ReachOut Crew
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WafflesIm 13 and im being bullied by a neighbor i can’t ignore him it hurts! my parents think its funny and don’t do anything & if you saw him you would think hes a great guy but inside he’s a demon. im sensitive and he knows “all the right places to poke me” so to speak. i feel like harming myself is the only way to go. i’ve tried everything “killing him with kindness” going to friends everything else. what do i do!
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ReachOut StaffHi there -
You are coping with not only being bullied but having the people who should help protect you not listen to your pleas for help. First of all it is never acceptable to be bullied. If your parents aren’t taking what’s happening seriously, is there someone else who might help you get them to understand? Maybe an older sibling, aunt or cousin? School will be starting soon, is there a school counselor who might assist or favorite teacher? What is happening to you needs to stop and it needs adult intervention. We encourage you to look for other ways to get your parents to help you. You may want to consider calling the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000. If the caller wishes, Boys Town will speak with a parent.
We wish you the best,
The ReachOut Crew
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TammyHi I just found out at a parent teacher conference that another child in my son’s class told his parent that my son is getting buillied. My son this morning also told me this morning that he “hates his life”. Come to find out he has also told this child in his class the same thing. My son is doing ok in school but I’m afraid that he will stop doing well in school. He is already not wanting to go to school or do his homework. He is becoming more angry at me. I need some help can you give me some ideas? Thanks
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ReachOut StaffHi there -
We are thinking of a couple of next steps. First of all it’s good that you are finding out what’s going on. It might be good to have a frank conversation with your son, asking him if he could share with you what’s happening… and let him know you heard there is some bullying occurring. Let him know that being bullied is not acceptable and you are his ally in figuring out how to get this to stop. Let him know you are concerned that he has expressed he hates his life and you understand how tough this can be right now. He needs empathy and support from you.
Additionally, if the bullying is happening at school it would be good to have a discussion with his teacher. Your son may object to this, but he needs to understand that what’s happening to him needs to stop and his teacher needs to be part of the plan. Another possibility is to speak with your son’s school counselor who also might be able to intervene. The school counselor and teacher together may be able to address this as a classroom issue, not specifically signaling out your son. You son may have other ideas for what he thinks would help. If you feel his “I hate my life” is a prelude to “I want to end my life” ask him directly if he ever feels that way. Regardless of his answer he could benefit from speaking with his school counselor or another mental health professional who can focus on helping him become more resilient against this bully and also assess the degree of risk related to feelings of hating life or wanting to end his life. You might also suggest he checks out ReachOut and maybe join our discussion forums where peers from all over can provide support!
We hope this helps.
The ReachOut Crew
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WillBI’m bullied. I recently had a girlfriend who i liked but she chose to listen to her friend more than she would to me. A few days after that i had put a friend in my BBM Status who happened to be a girl and her friend happened to see and jumped to conclusions that i was cheating. She told my Girlfriend and then she decided to spread it all over facebook, her school & my school and now i’m pretty much hated by everyone. People have said nasty comments to me over facebook and it’s gotten so far that i feel sick, scared and terrified to even walk out of my own home. I never did cheat on my Girlfriend it was a lie but now it’s gone too far and i don’t know where else to turn please can someone help me out?
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ReachOut StaffHey Will, we’re sorry and concerned to hear about what’s happening. This sounds like a very stressful and possibly even a dangerous situation. Have you talked to your parents about it? You should share with them what happened and the cyberbullying that you’re experiencing. Having a look at this might help too: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/cyberbullying Also,. you should tell your school counselor, so that they are aware of what’s going on as well. They have a duty to protect you. The more people who know, the better. If you ever feel like you are in physical danger, please call the police. Since you have a UK email address, we’re linking ReachOut Ireland’s help info for you if you want to talk: http://ie.reachout.com/getting-help/i-need-help-now/ . And this might be help as well: http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/bullying/pages/bullying.aspx Hopef.ully time will pass and people will start to lose interest. Know that it WILL get better. Get your support around you and you’ll weather this storm the stronger for it. Thinking of you, The ReachOut Crew
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barbhi am bullied everyday and my teachers just stand there and i am special ed what should i do cause i am thinking about dropping out of school.
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ReachOut StaffHey Barb, we’re so sorry for what’s happening to you. No one deserves to be bullied, and you shouldn’t feel like it’s your fault. Teachers actually have a responsibility to keep you safe, so it’s disappointing to hear that they’re not doing anything. But don’t drop out! Talking to someone can help. Make sure that you talk to your parents and let them know about what’s going on. Talk your school counselor or anyone who will be able help. Keep telling people until you get the help that you need! If you need to talk to someone, you can call Boys Town National Hotline (not just for boys) at 1-800-448-3000 or email/chat at http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/ . Plus you are always welcome in the ReachOut Forums to chat with your peers about what you’re going through: http://us.reachout.com/forums/search.php?searchid=41062 Keep .strong and don’t let the bullies win! Thinking of you, The ReachOut Crew
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scared_101my username is scared_101 i have just recently became a victim of Bullying. I’ve had problems like this when i was younger, but i am now a junior in high school and just dont know what to do about this bully. The bully that i am having troubles with, was my bestfriend. She had been my bestfriend for a year, and i’ve known her for almost 4 years. She makes threats about my family saying how she is going to kill them. My moms tires have recently been slashed, our mailbox found on the ground in the morning. She lives right across the street from me technically and nothing went wrong in our friendship until a month and a half ago. She is now friends with my older sister, and my sisters girlfriend is a big problem too. She had pushed me in the hallway and just today like i said not to long ago she threated that this week she is going to kill my mother, brother, me and my deaf dog. I really just dont know how to go about this, her whole family is trouble mostly, im kind of scared for my life. i’ve recently had to stop riding the bus and stop going outside because she has said she is going to have me jumped. I guess i really need advice since this is climaxing. I have told my assistant principal but i told her to not really do anything since she does go to my school, i now have to ride the bus home sometimes since my mom works different schedules, i dont know what to do, i fear for my life some days, and i dont want to get hurt or my family to get hurt all because i did the right thing and told someone. I need some advice so if you think you can thanks but if you cant thats okay to.. thanks anyways scared_101.
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ReachOut StaffHey scared_101, we’re so sorry that this stressful, scary thing is happening to you! Girl-on-girl bullying is a lot more common that you think, see this: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/what-is-girl-versus-girl-bullying We’.re very concerned for you, especially since it’s escalated into violent threats. At this point you need to have the police involved. We hope you’ve already talked to your sister (since she’s friends with this girl) or your mom about this. You should talk to anyone who will listen-your parents, anyone at school (good for you telling your Asst. Principal, but you might have tied her hands by asking her not to do anything) and you and your family probably should talk to the police about the threats as well as the slashed tires and downed mailbox. All of those people have a duty to keep you safe. If you ever feel like you’re in danger, call the police immediately. Talk to people about this until it stops and you feel safe again. It might also help for you to speak to someone anonymously. You can call BoysTown (Not just for boys) at 1-800-448-3000 or email/chat at http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org Pleas.e be careful and talk to someone immediately! You’re not alone!!!!!!
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thiemann98My name is TimBer. I’m really worried about what to do. I get pushed and shoved in the halls. I get called “whore,slut,bitch, etc” for no reason at all. All I do is cry and it hurts that people say things about me that aren’t true or do things that hurt :( I try and be tough and act like it doesn’t hurt.. but really when I come home.. I don’t want to go back, I don’t want to do anything. I’ve thought about suicide… but I know it’s not the answer and I don’t want to hurt the people I love, I talk to my mom and she listens, but I just want it to stop. I want it all to go away :( Another thing that makes it worse it I self harm… When I do that the problems just go away that day and I’m ok. But then the next day I go to school and it’s like a cicle, A cicle of hurt. I could really use some advice.. please help me out.
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ReachOut StaffHey TimBer, we’re so sorry to hear all that you’re going through! No one deserves to be bullied! Does anyone from your school know, like your school counselor or principal? If you let them know, they are obligated to keep you safe. It’s good that you’ve been able to talk to your mom about your bullying, since talking about it can help. Have you talked to her about your self-harm? We’re concerned that you’re coping in a harmful way, and while what you’re going through is painful, self-harm is not the answer. http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/deliberate-self-harm We ur.ge you to call the Boystown hotline at call 1-800-448-3000, or email support online at http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/aboutus/Pages/ContactForm.aspx or through a live chat feature at https://secure.yourlifeyourvoice.org/YLYV_Chat Their. trained counselors will be able to help. We’re really worried about you, and hope that you call them. Things will get better. Thinking of you, The ReachOut Crew
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Puneet KaurHi everyone, I am ..., a new member here. I just moved to U.S in June 2012 from India. I am a 7th grade middle school student. Because I was from a different culture and country everyone use to bully me by saying that Indians are like this or that using rude words and showing a disrespectful attitude. Just on the first day of my school, some students started to be really mean to me and started to tease me by saying that “Indians shower in pee”, even though I didn’t talk to them and neither knew who they were they just kept on picking on me. Someone said that I was so skinny, someone said that I was so ugly because I didn’t shave and cut my hair because of my religion(My religion is “Sikhism”). But now my schooldays just changed because I found a friend, and she is from Afghanistan. She always tells me to ignore the people who bully me and just concentrate in my studies. That’s what I want to share that “just ignore a bully!!!!!!!!!!!”
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Rebecca R. KohlerHi.. I’m a 14 year old and Im in couseling theraphy for bullying and depression. I feel like my counselor doesnt understand>> Do you think she does? And what other ways could I avoid bullying so Im not depressed all the time>
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ReachOut StaffSo sorry to hear it is going tough for you. Do you think you could bring up with your counselor that you don’t feel understood? It might take some courage but you need to have a relationship with a counselor that you feel comfortable discussing what you are or are not getting out of sessions. Do you think you could give this a try? Maybe saying something like… “I don’t feel like I’m making progress, nor do I feel you always understand me very well. Could we talk about that?”.
The ReachOut Crew
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lewisHi, im lewis. My friends have recently turned on me, and replaced me with someone else. Now im never in their groups, they always leave me out of everything, and worst of all- the person they replaced me with is my bully. Now that bully is being horrible to me, Wishing me death and calling me fat, swearing at me and all sorts. My friend has recently yelled out in the class “Lewis is a bully!” and everyone pretty much hates me now. Everyone picks on me, I DONT DO ANYTHING TO HIM! i dont deserve this disrespect, the only reason i said things to him was because he was mean to me. What should i do? I literally hate my school life at the moment, and i cant bare to think what will happen next. Eventually all of my friends will hate me, and my anxieties dont make it any better… :( Help me! Please :( I’ve tried speaking to the adults, but nothing gets done.. I just dont know where else to turn..
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ReachOut StaffHi Lewis,
We are so sorry to hear how tough things are for you right now. Being bullied is the worst - and something that is NOT OK. Please don’t give up trying to get help. You need someone on your side - have you tried your school counselor? a favorite teacher? your parents? older sibling? There must be someone you trust who will listen and help. You may need to speak with your principal about what’s happening. Maybe your parent could go with you? No action by those you have shared this with is not OK. You need to continue letting people in charge know what’s going on and ask that they help put a stop to the bullying. We see that you have checked out the fact sheet on What to do if you are being bullied. Have you tried any of the suggestions for “working it out yourself”? These tips might help while you are waiting for the adults to spring into action.
We are thinking of you and wishing you well. Hang in there and be persistent in getting the help you need.
The ReachOut Crew
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penishi y’all my name is laquisha. I’m a transgender and im bullied all the time. Avoiding the bully dont help i dont know what y’all are talking about but i tried everything and nothing helped me yet.
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ReachOut StaffHello Laquisha, There are no easy answers to dealing with being bullied. The most important issue right now is whether or not you feel you are safe physically. Is the bullying you are experiencing verbal or are you being physically hurt. Is there anyone you can go to for support and just to share your feelings? You don’t have to go through this alone. If you are in school, is there a teacher or administrator you trust and can talk to? How about your parents or brother(s)/sister(s). We would like for you to call the Boystown Hotline at 1 800 448-3000. There is someone always available at that number to talk and help you sort things out. Let us know if there is anything else we can do to help. The Reachout Crew
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clubh8rAlthough I don’t believe that fighting back is the answer, I don’t think any of the suggestions listed here would have helped me!
You can’t ignore a bully, you can’t avoid or hide from them, and this crap about building an invisible wall to protect yourself does nothing when you are getting the crap beat out of you… the pain is real!!!
Telling someone didn’t work for me either, let’s talk about going straight to the vice principal, who then pulls everyone involved into the office to discuss the situation, and after completing his interviews, he does nothing else to remedy the blatant violation of school/state policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of other students. This just lets the bullies know that you’re a rat who sold them out, and it puts a big bull’s-eye on your back for further, more extreme act of violence.
They followed me home and assaulted my dad, a week later they came by our house sometime during the night and put sugar in the gas tanks of vehicles, the next week they came at 3am and my dad saw them puncher 5 tires on our vehicles, the next week, they came by at 1am and drove by the house and shot 9 rounds at our home and vehicles with a 22 cal. semi auto rifle, and the following week they did the same thing again!!!
The school did nothing, the sheriff’s dept. did nothing, and if it wasn’t for the fact that they went into another county and did another drive by, which they finally got caught for, they would still be doing it here to me!!!
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ReachOut StaffWe are very sorry that you had to go through such a horrible experience with severe bullying and attacks. That must have been really difficult for you and your family. We’re sorry that you found your school officials to be unsupportive, but it really is good that you were and are seeking help!
Because you suffered such extreme bullying, we understand the bullying fact sheet may not have been right for your situation. A group of peers created this fact sheet from their experiences with bullying. You may find the fact sheets related to violence more helpful in dealing with the aftermath: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/experiencing-violence
If you have constructive additions to the Bullying fact sheet, we would appreciate any advice or help you may want to offer to others who may be in a similar situation on how to make things better. You can email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
We wish you good luck and are thankful that the bullies were caught in your case!