I have become afraid of going to school. I have not told my father because he is a busy person and works very hard....
I am losing my self-respect
Salam Guru,
I am a 17-year-old high school student. My father got transferred to Karachi few months back and I got admission in a good institution. I am good at studies, and my teachers like me. My problem is that I limp slightly and am rather skinny. In my old school, I did not feel bad about my physical appearance as I had been there since grade one, but some of the boys in my class are rather nasty with me.
They make fun of me and have abused me physically a number of times. They are clever about it, and don’t leave a mark on my skin but humiliate me in front of other students.
I have become afraid of going to school. I have not told my father because he is a busy person and works very hard. My mother is a simple lady and is very meek by nature so I can’t even tell her anything.
I don’t know how to deal with the bullies and am scared to tell my teachers because two of the bullies are well-behaved in class and teachers may not believe me. I am losing my self-respect and sanity. I feel stressed and anxious. What should I do?
Bullied Guy
Dear Bullied Guy,
It is most unfortunate that you are facing bullying which is, unfortunately, becoming rampant in educational institutions. Dealing with bullying in high school can be a challenging and distressing experience, but you can do several things to cope effectively with the bullies:
Speak up: It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re being bullied, don’t hesitate to speak up and seek help. Your father may be a busy person, but you should tell him what you are going through. Talk to a teacher or school counselor. They can provide support and guidance on how to address the situation.
Stay calm and act confident: Bullies often thrive on the reactions of their victims, so try to remain calm and confident. It may be tempting to retaliate or seek revenge against the bully, but responding with aggression can make things worse. Instead, focus on resolving the conflict peacefully and constructively by trying to talk to them.
Build a support network: Avoid meeting the bullies alone. Surround yourself with supportive friends and classmates. Their presence will deter the bullies.
Take care of your physical and emotional well-being: Engage in activities that can relax you whether it’s exercising, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with people you like. This will help you get over the feeling of anxiety and overcome stress. Seek professional help. Most schools have counselors and you should approach one and discuss what you are going through.
Inform school administration: You have the right to feel safe and respected in your learning environment, and schools are obligated to take action to address bullying behavior. But you have to inform the school authorities so they can take action.
Finally, remember that bullying is not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. It is the bullies who are petty and mean, so they are the ones who have no self-respect. Stay hopeful and resilient, and know that you can overcome bullying and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
Good luck
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