Bullying is something that many of us experience at one point in our lives, for some it follows them into adulthood.
Bullying has different effects on different people. When some people are bullied they stand up to them and it stops, unfortunately there are others who get bullied and stand up for themselves but it doesn't make much difference, there are also those who are too scared to do anything. In those instances it will only get worse.
Always stand up to bullies and MAKE SURE OTHER PEOPLE KNOW, teachers, parents, and good friends, you'll only be handling it by yourself, which may make you more vulnerable and an easier target.
WHY ARE PEOPLE BULLIED? People are mostly bullied because they are different from most people, it could be your age or sex, if you wear glasses are overweight or have learning difficulties. If you are physically different from others, have a disability, are tall or short can make you a target for bullies. If you are a loner and like to be by yourself, are unpopular and not with the in crowd can also make you a target for bullying.
WHY DO BULLIES BULLY? Most bullies are just 'acting', they feel that they have to appear tough so that no one will bully them, they pick on the easiest person to bully, someone who is least likely to retaliate in an effective way. Some bullies have been bullied themselves, it's hard to believe, but most bullies have no self confidence and bullying others seems to be the best way to hide it. Plus there are some people that just have a horrible nature, they usually grow out of it as they go through their teen years. Some however carry this on to their adulthood and show their bullying nature by being over-domineering and bossy.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM BULLIED? I strongly advise that you stand up to them and be as brave as possible, believe it or not, the scariest thing to a bully is a tough victim! Never hit someone, doing that will not work in your favour, even if they have been provoking you for ages. Most bullies seem to know exactly what to say and do to hurt you, they'll get on your nerves and make you feel like being physically violent towards them, so you'll be the one ending up in trouble. Learn to control your anger and to direct it positively. Being young myself, I do know what it's really like, and I won't lie and say that telling the teacher always solves your problem, but I'm not saying that you should take it into your own hands and fight your battle alone and attempt to beat them up. It is essential that you do tell teachers, parents, guardians adults you trust and friends if possible. They are there for support, and help as you go through a tough period. There are times when bullies get you by yourself (because thatís how they operate best) . You'll need to be strong and tell them that you're not standing for it. Most bullies are scared of getting into trouble that's why they threaten to beat you up if you tell the teacher! I'd say it's most important that we develop our own personal defence to bullies, most effectively by showing that you're not scared and that you will tell and you won't stand for it any more.
Teachers will help you in school, but we also know that bullying is something that can come in various situations outside school. You need to know how to handle yourself within those situations or it may damage your self confidence.. You need to stand up for yourself, and you'll surprise yourself once you do with how much your confidence will improve. Things will begin to change and your confidence will grow. Most importantly, NEVER believe or accept it when people discriminate against you because you are different. No one is like you, everyone is made different, this makes the world an interesting place.
REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THERE ARE MANY SOURCES OF HELP AROUND. GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO HELP YOU, AND REMEMBER TO WORKS ON BUILDING UP YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE! YOU ARE GREAT AND AN INDIVIDUAL AND NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE ON THAT.
If you are suffering from bullying try these avenues of help.