Nadia Buckus
Certified Life Coach and Counsellor

Bullying is very difficult for children, or anyone, to deal with. It makes you feel afraid and degraded, and often makes a person feel like they are worthless. Unfortunately, bullying also makes you stop wanting to go out, because you are scared you might see the person bullying you.
Many children who are bullied even start asking themselves if they can do anything right.

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What to do if you are being bullied

You have to tell someone. You may not want to do this because it means showing you are vulnerable; that you are letting someone get the better of you. But really, it is very important to tell someone; otherwise it may not stop.
Speak to a friend, parent, brother or sister, uncle or aunt and most importantly, if it happens at school, speak to your teacher.

If you are a bully

You could be a bully because someone is bullying you. Are you bullying because it makes you feel powerful? Are you the kingpin because you are liked or because people are scared of you?

If you are bullying, think about how it would make you feel if people were making fun of you, harassing you or stealing your lunch money? I am sure it would make you feel awful, afraid and alone. You are probably already aware that what you are doing is wrong. If that is true, then take the first step to stopping your behaviour.

Ask yourself:

What made me start bullying? Why do I pick on people? How does it make me feel when I am bullying somebody? If I want to, how do I stop? If you are uncertain about what happens after you stop bullying, then speak to someone – a parent, a friend, a teacher – you trust not to judge you.

Remember that this behaviour is UNACCEPTABLE, but everyone is entitled to a SECOND CHANCE.

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