You’re Not Alone: What to Do When Bullying Hits at School

 Bullying. It’s a word no one wants to hear, but it’s something a lot of teens face in school. Maybe it’s name-calling, teasing, spreading rumors, being ignored or excluded, or even physical stuff like pushing or hitting. And then there’s the online world, texts, social media, group chats, where bullying can follow you home and feel like it never stops. No matter what kind of bullying it is, it hurts. It gets inside your head, makes you question yourself, and sometimes even makes you dread going to school.

Here’s the most important thing to know right now: If you’re being bullied, it’s NOT your fault. Seriously. You didn’t do anything to deserve it, and it does not say anything bad about who you are. Bullies pick on others because they’re dealing with their own problems, maybe they feel powerless, jealous, or just want control. But none of that gives them the right to treat you badly.

I get it, when you’re being bullied, it can feel super lonely and scary. You might think, “If I tell someone, will it just make things worse? Will anyone believe me?” Those worries are real, but keeping it to yourself usually only makes it harder. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a close friend, can be the first big step to getting help. You don’t have to tell everyone or make a huge scene, but letting one person in can start to lighten the load. And if the first person you talk to doesn’t help the way you hoped, don’t give up. Keep reaching out until you find someone who listens and has your back.

Standing up to bullying isn’t easy, especially when it feels like the bully has all the power or the whole school is watching. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stay close to friends who support you and avoid places where the bullying happens. And here’s a big one, try not to give the bully the reaction they want. It’s hard, but bullies often feed off anger or fear. Staying calm and walking away can take away their power.

If you see someone else being bullied, don’t just stand by. Being a bystander might feel safe, but it also lets the bully know their behavior is okay. If it feels safe, speak up or find an adult who can help. Even something as simple as inviting the person being bullied to sit with you or checking in on them later can make a huge difference.

Remember, bullying doesn’t define you. It doesn’t tell the story of who you really are. You are so much more than the hurtful words, the rumors, or the scary moments. You have talents, strengths, and people who care about you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

And if bullying starts to affect your mental health, making you feel anxious, sad, or hopeless, it’s really important to ask for extra support. Talking to a counselor, school therapist, or someone trained to help can give you tools to cope and heal.

You are stronger than the bullying. And with support, you can get through this. School should be a place where you feel safe and can be yourself. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.

You’re not alone. You matter. And you deserve kindness and respect, always.