There are lots of ways to handle bullying. Tell them assertively to stop it, walk away, laugh it off and stay away from groups where the bully tends to hang out. If you’ve already tried to deal with a bully directly but the behavior has continued, tell a trusted authority figure at school and tell your parents. Beyond and above all else, do not take anything the bully says or does personally because it’s not about you — it’s about them. People who feel good about themselves don’t bully other people but hurt people hurt people so remember it’s actually their problem and not yours.

Dr. Lynn Ianni

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Being bullied in school can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and your day-to-day life, so it makes complete sense that you would want to avoid the place where you don’t feel the best. School is supposed to be a space for you to feel safe and grow, and I want you to know that this is not your fault and that you deserve kindness from your peers.

While it can feel isolating, you are not alone and help is out there. Is there a trusted adult in your life that you can share this with? A favorite teacher, school security guard, or even a guidance counselor can be a really great “safe” person to confide in about what you’ve been experiencing. Even if you’ve never talked to a school counselor before, remember, they are here for you and want to help. Also, if you feel comfortable telling a parent or caregiver about your experience, that is a great option as well. You shouldn’t go through this alone and talking to a trusted adult can begin the process of stopping this bullying so that you can get back to learning and having a positive school experience. If you need someone to talk to confidentially you can also reach out to our live counselors by texting IDM to 741741.

Crisis Text Line Mental Health Professional Team