@VanillaCawfie
Hi Vanilla The first thing I would say to anyone being bullied is that it is not their fault and they deserve to be treated with respect and that nothing justifies the bullying of another person.
Bullying comes in many guises and can affect many different ages and so the suggestions may vary depending on each situation and the individuals circumstances but to try and let someone know just so they are no longer alone with the bullying and how it makes them feel any longer.
Try to talk to someone about what is going on and if possible allow that person to help you, particularly if a young person is involved. If the bullying has affected someone to a point they consider hurting themselves then call a helpline, speak to a professional about what is happening for them. I would also remind them that in some cases and countries bullying is a criminal offense to try and get across that what they are going through is not trivial and should be taken seriously.
I would want to try and offer hope that things can and do change. And I would encourage an individual to celebrate who they are and their uniqueness and how bullies target people for all kinds of reasons and often its more about them than it is about other people.
@Rain45
Thanks for your insight here, Rain! It is important for victims of bullying to know that these types of negative experiences are not their own fault, and that they are not justified. Victims can attain support from others, through talking to trustworthy people in their lives about their experiences. It is also a positive thing to affirm to themselves, their positive traits, as well as characteristics.
1. Please remember, that your bullies are horrible human beings for making you feel like that. Always remember that! You are so much better then they ever will be.
2. Try to find someone to talk to. This might be your parents, your teachers, a friend, your librarian - doesn't really matter who that is. Just make sure they'll be there for you and that you feel safe with them.
3. Try to find a safe place at or near the place you're being bullied. For me it was behind one of the big shelves of our library, but it can be anywhere. It should be a place, where you can relax, even if it's just for a minute. A place where you bullies won't be that often (in most cases this will be a place near some sort of authority figure they respect)
4. Try to get out of this situation as quickly as somehow possible. In my case it wasn't, thanks to my teacher's horrible set of mind, that this would be a sign of weakness and that I would "let the bullies win". Don't listen to that sort of advice, because it's toxic. Try to change schools, change job, whatever! If you see a possibility to get away, grab it!
5. You are not weak for being hurt by it. This just shows you are human. Your feelings are completely valid. Don't listen to advice like "Just laugh with them!" or "Just don't listen to them, they will grow bored and stop!", because that's just horrible! Bullying is one of the most awful things a child (or grown up) can experience and one thing that hurts the most is how society looks down on us. Most people will tell you to "get over it". Don't listen to them. They know nothing. You are allowed to be hurt, angry, scared, whatever! Bullying can be traumatising and many (including me) still suffer from it years later. You are not alone. You will never be alone, no matter what they try to tell you. Please keep going. This world needs you.
