“To all the ‘weird’ kids out there, what was the most hurtful thing someone did to bully you?
I grew up in a low-income family and attended a prestigious school, and I didn’t really experience bullying until seventh and eighth grade. When it started, it was primarily physical.
In the mornings, a group of kids would shine their phones to reflect sunlight right into our eyes, and for some reason, they found this hilarious.
Then they would throw food at us! We even had to switch tables after a half-eaten boiled egg landed in my lunch.
The most intense episode happened during an assembly. As someone on the autism spectrum, loud noises really distress me, and of course, the assembly was all about cheering. My bullies decided to sit right behind my friends and me, leaning down to scream in our ears, repeatedly kicking our seats, and even pulling 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.
The only reason it stopped was when my friend turned around, snatched his hat off one of the bullies, and threw it down the row. The kid got furious and yelled, “GIVE ME MY HAT BACK!” He ended up in a lot of trouble, but not for bullying—just for yelling.
I’m curious to hear from others who have experienced bullying. It seems so prevalent, yet schools often do nothing to address it.”
I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences. It sounds like you faced some really tough situations, and it’s heartbreaking to know that schools often don’t take bullying seriously enough. The things those kids did—bouncing sunlight in your eyes, throwing food, and being loud and disruptive during the assembly—are all really disrespectful and show a lack of empathy.
It’s so important for schools to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, especially for those who may be more vulnerable. I hope that by sharing your story, more people will understand how damaging bullying can be and how crucial it is to address it properly.
You’re definitely not alone in your experiences; many people have faced similar situations. It can be really helpful to connect with others who’ve gone through similar things, as it can provide some validation and support. Remember that your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to seek help from trusted adults or counselors who can advocate for you and your friends. How have you coped with these experiences since then?