Hello
Thank you for your letter.
I hear from lots of children and young people who have told me that they are being bullied – you’ve done the right thing to talk to someone about what is happening.
It sounds like you are having a tough time at the moment as you have talked about being bullied for a long time. You’ve said your mates keep being mean to you and that a boy is taking the ‘micky’ out of you because you got a 4 in spelling. It’s important for you to know that no one has the right to bully you or be mean to you. It is wrong of anyone to call you names like ‘geek, four eyes, nerd and tramp’. I can imagine it can feel quite hurtful to be on the receiving end of these words.
It’s understandable that you don’t like what is happening and you have a right for this to stop. Being bullied can have a big impact on how you feel, and you deserve to be supported with what you are going through.
Your school has a duty of care to protect you from bullying and keep you safe. I’m wondering if you have thought about talking to a trusted adult about what’s happening, like a teacher or someone else that you feel comfortable talking with?
I would like you to know that being bullied is not your fault and it shows courage that you have been able to speak about this.
For more support, perhaps you could have a think about contacting one of the ChildLine counsellors to talk some more about how you are coping and what options you might have available. There are a number of ways you can do this – by ringing 0800 1111 (free from any phone), 1-2-1 online chat (similar to msn) or by sending a private email. There is also a whole section in Explore about Bullying and what to do, which you might find helpful.
Take care,
Sam