by Jaibee

Created on: December 11, 2010   Last Updated: December 12, 2010

Bullying Happens to Many of Us

Bullying is not new as we all know and when it happens at school, a place where we feel powerless to get away or escape, the bully's behavior will escalate and the victim will experience depression.  If teachers, parents, or friends don't know how or can't help you, call a teen hotline or talk with someone that you absolutely trust. If that isn't possible, go to the library or a book store for books on bullying and self-esteem. Research it so that you can understand this type of harassment better.

Other things to do: Block unwanted e-mails and don't check-in to see what others are saying about you. Don't give into shame or allow yourself to feel that it's your fault. Another method is to write in a journal, learn self-defense and visualize yourself as strong and powerful. Don't rush through these exercises. Remember revenge is not the answer, so refuse to set out to do a person harm. You don't want to wind up in juvenile home or jail.

Above all ask for help, keep trying to get your parents to listen and help you. If it gets too bad, ask to be home schooled if possible or to switch to another school.  Consider getting some new friends if the old ones let you down or won't stick with you. You don't ant to be alone.

 This is my story when I was bullied just before I went off to high school:

 My last year in elementary school, at age twelve, I encountered a girl bully; she was tall and athletic with a vicious mean streak. When she came into our classroom and looked at me, I knew right away that I was in trouble.

She didn't stop until she got to know me and then it started: the pushing and shoving, shooting mean looks at me across the room, and demanding my school supplies.  I fought back, but was no match for her, since I was shorter and really skinny an she was tall with an athletic build.  However, one day things changed in my favor and a friend who was bullied by the same girl.

I was standing outside glaring at her as she walked away with the jump rope that she'd just forced me to untangled, again.  A girlfriend walked over and asked if I knew her; I told my friend what was going on and guess what?  That bully was treating her the same way.

We decided that we would teach her a lesson that next Monday, being that it was already Friday.  We were going to stand up to her and never again untangle one of her ropes. Monday came and at recess we got together and waited for her outside of the school building, but she never showed up. Just like that she was gone from the school.

We asked a few people at school until finally someone told us that her family moved from the neighborhood. That was a bit disappointing, because we were ready to stand up for ourselves,  at last. At any rate, I looked at my friend and it was all we could do to keep from shouting our joy. We didn't have to do anything; a divine power took care of it for us.

So when you think that a bad situation might last forever, remember that nothing ever does. Also, that sometimes we must make things change and other times they change on their own. The point is that we were willing to stand up for ourselves.

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