| All Because Of A Bully | Bullying | All Because Of A Bully | <div class="ExternalClassE3AB8ECE942245A68DFE74CFDD395274"><p style="font-family:georgia;font-size:16px;"><span>W</span><span>hat should I do if I can't concentrate at school and I'm getting bad grades and it's all because of
a bully? </span></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span></div> | <div class="ExternalClass091D735BA86B40768AB2093254211B34"><div><div class="ExternalClassE3AB8ECE942245A68DFE74CFDD395274"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">Thanks for emailing in today. It sounds like this one
kid is just getting in the way of everything at school. You are
right. It can be very hard to focus on something if there is someone
constantly trying to interfere with what you are doing or is consciously trying
to make these hard for you. </p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">What we do not know is what type of bullying is going on,
how long it has been going on, and what you have tried so far to make it
stop. If you have not done this already, report this to the school
teacher. Some things he/she may need to know is who is doing it, what is
he/she is doing, where it happens, and who else is around when it happens. If
no steps are taken by the teacher to get to the bottom of this, then take it to
the school office. A lot of schools are starting to set up specific
consequences for kids who are bullying. Some schools are even taking a "no
tolerance" approach in which some consequences are given even on the first
offense. <br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">Ignoring the bullies is one good approach, but there are some others too if
that is not working. Throw some humor back at them by saying, "Thank you
very much" or "Boy that's original." Smile back at them. When a
bully sees that he or she has upset you, in their minds, they win. Catch one of
the guys unexpectedly one day maybe when his buddies are not around, and give
him a genuine compliment. He might think before speaking next time he sees you.
Also, try just avoiding any contact with him/her. Change your seat,
walk down the opposite side of the hall, always walk with a friend, and don’t
make eye contact with him/her. Keep your head up high though with your
shoulders back, as this shows confidence.</p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">We do know that words can hurt more than physical pain, but
remember just because words are said does not make them true. In fact it
says a lot more about the bully’s character than it does you own. Nothing
gives anyone the right to bully another, but did you know that most bullies do
what they do because they are insecure themselves? Putting someone else down,
builds themselves up in their own eyes. A lot of bullies are just trying to
impress their friends. Stick by your friends, and stand up for other students
if you see them get picked on. If you are caring towards others, they will want
to be around you.<br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">You can find more tips on the
YLYV site. Know that you are not alone.</p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(63, 63, 63);font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">Laura, Crisis Counselor</span><br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span></div></div>
</div> | 13 | | |
