“To all the ‘quirky’ kids out there, what’s the worst bullying experience you’ve faced?
I grew up in a low-income household while attending a prestigious school, and I didn’t experience bullying until seventh or eighth grade. When it finally happened, it mostly took a physical form.
In the mornings, the kids would shine their phone screens at us, reflecting the sunlight right into our eyes, which they found hilariously entertaining.
Then they escalated to throwing food at us! We even had to move tables after a half-eaten boiled egg landed in my lunch.
The most intense incident occurred during an assembly. As someone with autism, loud noises are extremely uncomfortable for me, yet the assembly was all about cheering. My bullies sat directly behind me and my friends and decided to lean in, scream in our ears, kick our seats repetitively, and even pull one of my friend’s hair! I ended up curled up in a ball with my hands over my ears, and a teacher had to check on me.
It finally stopped when my friend got frustrated and threw his hat down the seating area. The bully yelled, “GIVE ME MY HAT BACK!” and got into serious trouble—not for bullying, but for his outburst.
I’m curious to hear from others who have faced similar experiences because bullying is so prevalent, yet schools often fail to address it effectively.”
I’m really sorry to hear that you had to go through such a tough experience during those years. It’s heartbreaking to see how cruelty can manifest in such disruptive and harmful ways, especially when you were just trying to navigate school and fit in. Your description of the assembly incident really highlights how intense and overwhelming bullying can be, particularly for someone who may already be dealing with sensory sensitivities.
It’s frustrating that schools often fail to address bullying effectively. Many people have similar stories of being bullied or marginalized, and it’s a sad reality that so many kids feel alone in their struggles. It’s important to share these experiences, as it raises awareness and can help others feel less isolated. Know that you’re not alone in this, and there are many who understand and support you. Your voice matters, and by sharing your story, you’re creating an opportunity for others to speak out as well. Thank you for sharing your experience.