Bullying is something many students experience at one point or another – whether it happens in the classroom, on the playground, in the dorm room, or even online.
First off, What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing, comments, or threats, in order to abuse, aggressively dominate, or intimidate one or more others.
This behaviour is often repeated and eventually becomes a habit. It is designed to cause physical or emotional harm through intimidation, humiliation, or coercion.
Bullying in schools, unfortunately, is as old as time. The only thing that changes from class to class, or school to school, or even year to year, is the severity of bullying.
As a student, you will — or may already — experience bullying in some form. You could find yourself in one of three roles: the bully, the person being bullied, or the bystander who witnesses it but chooses not to act.
There are several ways Bullying can show up amongst students, such as:
- Calling someone names or making fun of them
- Spreading rumors
- Pushing, hitting, or threatening
- Excluding someone on purpose
- Teasing about appearance, background or abilities
- Sending hurtful text or group messages
- Saying hurtful things online
No matter the form of bullying going on around you, ALL FORMS of BULLYING ARE WRONG.
Why Some Students Bully Others:
Although we all know bullying is wrong, some students seem to enjoy bullying others. This could be because;
- They want attention or power.
- They are dealing with their own problems outside school, either personally or at home.
- They feel insecure.
- They have learnt this behaviour from family members or other people they are close to.
None of these reasons excuses bullying – but it is important to know the person bullying others has their own internal struggles, which have nothing to do with the person (or people) they are picking on.
If You Are Being Bullied Right Now:
If You Are Being Bullied right now, it is important to know:
- You are not weak
- You are not alone
- There is nothing wrong with you, and
- It is not your fault
Remember that secondary school is just a phase in your life — it will not last forever. One day, you will be an undergraduate at a university where the environment is often more open and balanced.
Even if you feel like a loner now or enjoy hobbies that others may find strange — such as drawing, anime, or writing — you will likely meet like-minded people at university. For now, hang on and keep pushing forward.
What to Do If You Are Being Bullied:
These are things you can do right now if you are being bullied:
1. Tell Someone You Trust:
This could be a parent or guardian, a teacher, a trusted adult or even an older student in your school. These people could give you advice or comforting words. In some cases, they may even be able to speak with the bully or the authorities at your school. Keeping bullying to yourself makes it harder to stop.
2. Report It:
Many students stay silent because they feel ashamed or scared. The earlier you report it to a parent, guardian, teacher, school counsellor, or a trusted adult in your school, the easier it is to handle. This is about officially taking action.
3. Stay Close to Supportive Friends:
Bullies often target students who seem isolated.
Try to:
- Walk with friends
- Sit near classmates you trust
- Spend time with people who make you feel safe
Being around others can reduce bullying.
4. Practice Confident Body Language:
Even if you feel nervous, try to:
- Stand tall
- Look ahead
- Speak clearly
You don’t have to argue or fight back — just show confidence. Bullies often back off when they don’t get the reaction they expect.
If you are not the one doing the bullying or being bullied, you can help the situation. It is important to not just sit back and watch because this will make the bully feel stronger and the person being bullied weaker.
These are some things you can do;
- Don’t join in the bullying
- Offer support to the person being bullied
- Encourage them to tell an adult
- Report it if it’s serious
Sometimes, even something as simple as just standing beside someone being bullied can make a big difference.
5. Taking Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health:
Bullying can affect how you feel about yourself.
Try to:
- Talk about your feelings
- Do activities you enjoy
- Spend time with people who support you
- Remind yourself of your strengths
Your value is not determined by how others treat you. Keep working on yourself, stay positive, and enjoy your life. You are good.
