Bullying

Being Different

A Story about Being Bullied

When I was in primary school, I fit in well. I used to get invited to lots of parties and always had a cool amount of people at my own birthday parties. I was always surrounded by people to play with during breaktime. I was a happy girl. However, in secondary school, especially now that I’ve begun Form III, things have changed.

While I am still into cartoons, computer games and running, every other girl in class is interested in going out, impressing boys and generally very much into their appearance – their hair, weight and the way their bodies are changing. I feel like everyone around me is changing and growing and that somehow I’ve been left behind. I feel miserable and lonely.

Yet, I still don’t feel ready to go out with my classmates and I don’t feel confident enough to speak to boys. I am really scared and embarrassed about how my body’s changing.

Unfortunately, the others are noticing this and I find myself alone in the playground more and more often. I hate the time between lessons most, because that’s when the girls get out of their places and start talking about last weekend or the next one, while I sit at my desk, waiting for the teacher, obviously alone. Sometimes they start whispering in groups. Soemtimes I catch some looking my way and sniggering at me. It’s not the first time I’ve been asked if I’ve ever had a boyfriend, even though they know the answer. Sometimes I say ‘no’ and sometimes I walk away. Whichever the case, I’m teased. A girl even told me I’m too ugly to have one.

I was invited to join them out, a few times, but I didn’t wear the same style of clothes the others wore, and was very quiet around boys. I was very self-conscious. Some of the girls later said that I wasn’t cool enough to hang out with them; that I was too quiet and shy; that my appearance and behaviour was nerdy.

I don’t think I’m a nerd though – I just honestly believe I’m not ready yet, and have different interests for now. I don’t feel I’m missing out. I don’t want to make an effort, or to hurry, to be someone I’m not. I know there must be other girls like me out there… Could you be one of them?

Things to Think About:

Have you, or someone you know, ever been teased, left out, hurt physically, or bullied in any other way?
If you, or someone you know, have been bullied, what was the experience like?
How did you, or someone you know, get through the experience of being bullied?
Have you, or someone you know, ever bullied someone?
How do you think a bully feels?
How can someone stop bullying?