Dear Dorothy,
I’m struggling with being bullied at school. It has been going on for a while, and I don’t know what to do. It’s affecting my confidence and making me dread going to school every day. I’ve tried ignoring it, but it just seems to get worse. Please help me figure out what to do.
– Bullied and Lost
Dear Bullied and Lost,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through this. Bullying can be incredibly tough, but there are steps you can take to address it and regain your sense of confidence and well-being.
- Talk to Someone: Don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or mentor. They can provide support and help you figure out a plan of action.
- Document the incidents: Keep a record of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, and what happened. This documentation can be useful when reporting the bullying to school authorities.
- Report to school authorities: Take the issue to the school’s attention. They have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all students. Provide them with the documentation and ask for their intervention.
- Build a support system: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who uplift you and remind you of your worth.
- Focus on self-care: Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Engage in activities that bring you joy and boost your self-esteem.
- Seek professional help if needed: If the bullying is causing significant distress, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide additional support and strategies for coping.
Remember, you deserve to feel safe and respected. Don’t hesitate to take action and seek help. You’re not alone in this.
Stay strong,
Dorothy