I've just started Senior School and all of my oldfriends from junior school have turned against me. They push me around physically and I have several bruises but Itry and hold them.
The problem with these people is that they are like the Queen Bees of year 7 and everybody wants to be on their good side incase something matters. Also everybody in this gang were my ex- bffs.
I've tried to ignore the jokes and names but it's becoming too much
I really don't know what to do, can you help?
Sam
Hi there,
Thanks for your letter.
It sounds like your friends have been behaving very differently since you started senior school and that must be very hard for you. I want to let you know that its not okay for anyone to push you around and give you bruises or call you names. It must be really hard for you to ignore them and it seems like you are struggling with that.
I can hear that these people have become very popular in your year and it feels like everyone wants to be a part of their group. That sounds difficult for you too because they were your best friends in primary school.
Its important for you know that these people are being bullies. I understand that might be hard for some people to hear. Bullying is wrong and it is not your fault that they have been treating you this way. You have a right to feel safe and happy at school. Every school has an anti-bullying policy which explains what they will do to help you if you report that you are being bullied. It might be useful to see that policy before you decide what to do next. Talking to a teacher you trust can be the next step to making bullying stop. You've done really well in taking the first step by writing to me about this.
Take a look at our bullying advice in the Explore section for more information and support. You can also find advice about bullying on http://www.bullying.co.uk/ which you might find useful.
I want you to know that if you would like to talk more about this or to get some help thinking about your options, you can talk to a ChildLine counsellor. They are always there for you and you can talk to them on the phone by calling for free on 0800 1111. You can also log on for a 1-2-1 chat or talk to a counsellor by email.
Take care
Sam
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