I was bullied a LOT as a kid, all the way into high school. There was days when I would fake sick just so I wouldn't have to go in and face everything. I was mainly teased for being the smart kid, the teacher's pet who got good grades, and the fact that was more child-like compared to the other kids, especially in elementary school. My mom tried explaining it away with the "They're just jealous" line, but that never made me feel better. And it went both ways; if I answered a question right, I was a nerd. If I got a question wrong, I got pointed and laughed at. If I screwed up playing kickball in gym, I was ridiculed. In high school, girls made fun of me because I got boobs earlier than they did. After a really bad day when kids were picking on me in science class, I actually went down to the guidance office, sobbing hysterically.
It comes down to respect, you're right. Kids need to be taught respect, and especially teens need to understand that as well. Teenage girls can be downright nasty. But kids also need to learn about confidence and self-esteem. I had zero growing up (and still don't), and because of that, I just took everything. I never stood up for myself.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2010-03-31 03:53 am (UTC)It comes down to respect, you're right. Kids need to be taught respect, and especially teens need to understand that as well. Teenage girls can be downright nasty. But kids also need to learn about confidence and self-esteem. I had zero growing up (and still don't), and because of that, I just took everything. I never stood up for myself.