TeenHelp - Im being verbally bullied

Elizabeth,

When it comes to bullying, keeping silent is never the answer. Yes, the girls may have threatened to cause you physical harm if you report their behavior towards you - however, there's no guarantee this is something they would go through with. It could be an empty threat to scare you into keeping quiet or to make you feel as if they have complete control. If it is a genuine threat though, the threat would need to be reported to whoever you tell as well; your school would find a way to keep you safe. Keep in mind a report would be made confidentially, and your school would not disclose to the girls it was you who made the report unless you give them the ok or if your safety is at risk.

I think we both know what they're doing isn't all right and that you shouldn't have to put up with this. Something needs to be done, that much is clear. You can't allow their behavior to continue, especially if it's interfering with your studies.

Ignoring a bully and confrontation are ways to try and solve the problem, however, these two methods don't always work - as you've seen. It's good you tried those two methods instead of stooping down to their level or anything like that. But to be honest, I think the only thing left to do would be to report this to a teacher, school guidance counselor, a member of the administration at your school...report it to someone who can help.

Most schools do have a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. If your school doesn't get involved - don't keep quiet. Talk to your parents and go straight to the head of your school / school district, the school committee, even your city...if you make enough noise, something will be done. Hopefully though, it won't get to the level you'll have to take it beyond the administration at your school.

What can your school do to stop the bullying? They could suspend or, possibly even expel [expulsion probably won't happen but there's a slight chance, I'd say] the two girls. They'd switch you out of classes where possible so you'll be able to avoid them. They'll alert teachers as to what's going on, so if one of them tells a teacher something false [like you're swearing or something] the teacher will be on his/her guard and will not punish you, but will take the appropriate steps to try and keep this from happening in the future. Your school might contact the girls' parents to alert them of their behavior. There are ways to get them away from you and to keep yourself safe, Elizabeth. And while I don't believe any bullying victim should have to leave his/her school to ensure safety, that very well may be what you'll have to do if things don't work out they way you'd hope them to. Talking with your parents about switching schools would be an option, yes, but I'd say it would be more of a last resort.

No matter how bad things are right now...whether they threaten you or what - nothing is going to change unless you get adults involved. The girls will continue to act this way towards you and bully you. It'll continue to affect you. The problem could even escalate. It could get to the point they're physically harming you on a daily basis. You never know where this is going to lead. Unless you take the steps to get this to stop, no matter what the risks, nothing is going to change.

Let me know anytime you'd like to talk about anything, all right? My PM box is open anytime you'd like to chat. Take good care of yourself and hang in there, I know this can be frustrating but it won't be this way forever.