I’m reaching out for some advice. I’ve been getting bullied at my secondary school since day one of Year 7. I might be switching schools in September, but that’s a separate issue.
To give you some background, my parents smoke, but they always do it outside to avoid exposing me and my older sibling. Unfortunately, the smell tends to cling to their clothes, and since we can’t afford for them to change every time they smoke, it creates an awkward situation when we want to hug them.
At school, a group of three boys has taken to calling me names like “fag” (as slang for cigarette) and “cigarette.” They act overly dramatic, pretending to cough and holding their noses around me. The truth is, I don’t smell like smoke at all; if I did, my nonna would have mentioned it to my parents by now. These boys seem to just be trying to provoke me.
This situation is definitely affecting my confidence, and I feel stuck because when I report things to the school, nothing is done. If anyone has advice on how to handle this, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. It’s tough to deal with bullying, especially when it can feel so relentless. Here are a few suggestions for you:
Talk to Someone You Trust: If you feel comfortable, talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing. This could be a teacher, a school counselor, or even a family member. They might offer support or advice on how to handle the situation.
Keep a Record: It might be helpful to keep a record of what’s happening. Write down dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses. This could be useful if you decide to report it more formally later on.
Ignore Them: While it’s not easy, sometimes ignoring bullies can take away their power. If they see that their comments don’t affect you, they might lose interest over time.
Build New Friendships: If you’re considering switching schools, try to focus on building new friendships. Look for clubs or activities where you can meet people with similar interests, which may help you find a supportive group.
Be Confident: Walk with confidence and hold your head high. This might be hard, but bullies often target those who seem vulnerable.
Consider Professional Help: If their words are affecting your mental health, it might be helpful to talk to a professional, like a therapist, who can provide support and coping strategies.
Stay Strong: Remember that what they say reflects more on them than on you. You’re not defined by their words, and you deserve to feel good about yourself.
You’re not alone in this, and it’s great that you’re reaching out for help. Stay strong, and I hope you find peace and happiness at your new school.