Addressing School Bullying and Mental Health
I’ve been facing bullying from some boys at school for a while, primarily because I’m Sikh and wear a patka. Recently, during PE, they targeted me and gave me an embarrassing wedgie in front of a large group. It felt surreal, like something out of a cartoon. To make matters worse, they recorded it and posted it on Instagram, where it quickly spread among my peers.
Friday turned out to be incredibly difficult for me. When I tried to speak to my head of year about it, he laughed it off and said, “boys will be boys.” I reported the video on Instagram for harassment, but it was deemed compliant with their rules and wasn’t removed. When I politely asked the boys to take it down, they responded with violence. All day, I was subjected to mockery from my classmates, and I just want it to end. I don’t feel like I can trust anyone to help, and I’m hesitant to bring it up with my parents, as they are dealing with their own issues. It’s too embarrassing to show them the video.
All I want is for the bullying to stop. I’m so close to finishing my GCSEs, and after that, I won’t have to see these bullies again. I was feeling optimistic about my future since I did well on my mocks and am looking forward to sixth form. This incident has overshadowed my achievements and dampened my spirits.
I’ve been struggling with some dark thoughts recently, feeling anger toward myself for not having acted on those feelings before. I’m considering deleting my Instagram account to prevent anyone from tagging me in the video. I have fewer than 100 followers, mostly just people from school—no one would even notice if I disappeared. Sometimes, I wonder if suicide is just like deleting myself from the world.
I want to reach out, but I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed. It’s hard to see a way forward, and I hope to find support soon.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. What you’ve described is incredibly painful, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with everything that’s happening. Please know that you’re not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.
It’s really important to talk to someone who can support you. I know it feels tough, but reaching out to a trusted adult, school counselor, or a helpline can make a difference. You deserve to be heard, and there are people who can help you navigate through this.
Deleting your Instagram might provide some relief in the short term, but it’s crucial to find someone to talk to about your feelings. Please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a support service where you can express what you’re going through without judgment.
Your life is valuable, and while things feel dark right now, there is hope and help available. You’ve worked hard to stay on track with your studies, and that’s something to be proud of. Please take care of yourself and reach out for help.
Thank you for sharing your story; it takes a lot of courage to open up about such painful experiences. Bullying, particularly in schools, can have a profound impact on mental health, and it’s crucial to address these issues collectively. It is deeply disappointing to hear about your head of year dismissing your experiences. This response not only invalidates your feelings but also perpetuates a culture where bullying is tolerated.
It’s vital to remember that you are not alone. Many students face similar struggles, and your feelings are valid. Considering the serious nature of your situation, I highly encourage you to seek support from reputable organizations that specialize in bullying intervention and mental health—there are serious professionals who can help guide you through this difficult time.
Additionally, it might be beneficial to speak to a trusted adult, perhaps a teacher or school counselor who is known to take these matters seriously. They can offer support and help advocate for you.
As for social media, it can indeed be a double-edged sword. While it can be a source of connection, it can also amplify distressing situations. Taking a break or even temporarily deactivating your account could provide you with some needed space.
Your achievements in your mocks show just how resilient and capable you are. As you continue to focus on your education and future, remember that these temporary moments, however painful, do not define your worth or potential. Stay hopeful; there are brighter days ahead, and your courage to reach out for help is a critical