| Picked On | Bullying | Picked On | <div class="ExternalClassB45B5A9075C14BC190C20DB1D2C7122E"><p style="font-family:georgia;font-size:16px;"><span>Hi I always get
picked on cause I'm different everyone says and I don't understand why. It's
confusing and it hurts when they mess with me. </span></p>
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</span></div> | <div class="ExternalClass0146D0BA5087489B9EAF7D9DE790963B"><div><div class="ExternalClassB45B5A9075C14BC190C20DB1D2C7122E"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);"><span>It’s great that
you are reaching out. Picking on someone is so hurtful to the targeted
person, and if it continues over time, it really is a form of bullying.
You said that you were told you were different. Ask yourself what is
different and if it is even something you have control over changing.
Sometimes people are picked on because of their size, their clothing, their
hairstyle, their voice, their nationality or their sexual identity. Some
of those things you have control over changing, but others you don’t.
Ask yourself if there is something about yourself that you want to
improve on or want to change.</span></p>
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</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);"><span>If
you are picked on at school, what are some things you have tried to make it
stop? At some point, you may need to tell a teacher and 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. </span><br></p>
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</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);"><span>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.
Display confidence. Walk with your shoulders back, your head
up, and a smile on your face. Greet people, give good eye contact or give
a genuine compliment to someone. Others like people who make them feel
good about themselves.</span></p>
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</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);"><span>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. Some 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. You know a lot of times teens all want to
look, dress, act like each other. As you get older, it’s the
differences that make us special, unique, and even appreciated. If you need a listening ear, the hotline is here for you.</span></p>
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</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;color:rgb(63, 63, 63);"><span>Laura, Crisis Counselor</span></span><br></p>
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