There are some people in my life that love to point out my faults. They make rude remarks, roll their eyes when I talk, and treat me like I'm not worth knowing. Down inside I know I shouldn't care what they think, but I'd be dishonest if I told you it didn't hurt me deeply each time.
Do you have people like these in your life, people who bring you down just because you're different? It may seem like you’re alone, but you’re not. About 25% of kids your age are bullied on a daily basis.
As a teen, you already have a hard time believing the best about yourself; but having a bully point out every flaw? It makes being a teen even harder. It causes you to feel unworthy and makes you wish you never had to show your face again.
What Can You Do?
Despite how you feel or what the bully may be saying about you, there is no excuse for their harassment. You have many great qualities and you shouldn’t be ashamed for being who you are. Although there is no best way for handling bullies, here are some strategies you can try the next time you're being bullied:
You Deserve to Live a Life Free From Bullying
Whatever you do, don’t stay silent and let the hate continue. You deserve to live a life free from bullying. Step up and begin to confront the issue, even if it makes you nervous. Bullying can be stopped.
And remember: it's NEVER worth taking your life!
If you or someone you know is on the verge of suicide PLEASE call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room IMMEDIATELY so you can get help!
As a teen, you already have a hard time believing the best about yourself; but having a bully point out every flaw? It makes being a teen even harder. It causes you to feel unworthy and makes you wish you never had to show your face again.
What Can You Do?
Despite how you feel or what the bully may be saying about you, there is no excuse for their harassment. You have many great qualities and you shouldn’t be ashamed for being who you are. Although there is no best way for handling bullies, here are some strategies you can try the next time you're being bullied:
- Walk Away Bullies love to see reactions in their victims. If you walk away, you take away all of their fun and show them they are not in control of your emotions. They’ll stop picking on you if there can’t get anything out of it.
- React with Humor This reaction is a great way to gain control of the situation, because it’s not the reaction the bully is expecting and it may throw them off-course. They may start laughing and forget about their harassment.
- Act Confident Standing tall and making eye contact sends a strong message to the bully that you are not weak or vulnerable...the exact opposite of what they want in a victim.
- Stick Together Whenever possible, stick with a group of friends, so the bully can’t get you alone. The old saying, “strength in numbers” holds true.
- Tell Someone The only way your bully will be caught and stopped is if people in authority know what’s happening. Tell them.
You Deserve to Live a Life Free From Bullying
Whatever you do, don’t stay silent and let the hate continue. You deserve to live a life free from bullying. Step up and begin to confront the issue, even if it makes you nervous. Bullying can be stopped.
And remember: it's NEVER worth taking your life!
If you or someone you know is on the verge of suicide PLEASE call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room IMMEDIATELY so you can get help!
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