Bullying Interview

1. How did the bullying start? And what was the reason for being bullied?

There was an older boy who was a new transfer to our school. He liked to pick on the younger classmates because he was much bigger than them. And he liked to intimidate them. He started to pick on me also and calling me "fat" and "Baboy" and made snorting sounds like a pig whenever he saw me.

2. How did the bullying make you feel?

Well, it made me feel scared, depressed and lonely. I felt surrounded and all alone.

3. What did you do about the bullying?

At first, I didn't know what to do. Because it really hurt my feelings when he began bullying me and everyone started to join in with him too and making fun of me. And nobody wanted to help me.

4. Did you tell anyone about the bullying?

No, not at first. I was too ashamed and didn't know who to turn to.

5. How long did you keep this to yourself?

For several months then I decided to tell my parents what was happening to me. Because I couldn't take it anymore and was feeling very sad and angry.

6. How did your parents react and what did they do?

They were quite saddened and then angry about the situation I was going through. They wanted to know why I didn't tell them sooner. They told me I should try to just ignore the bullying. They said kids are always teasing each other and that was part of growing up and I should develop a thicker skin.

7. What was your reaction to your parents advice?

I was really upset at them because I felt they didn't understand what I was going through. But I told them it was happening everyday and getting worse. Even the teachers weren't helping and ignoring it and failed to stop it.

8. What did your parents then do?

They were really upset about the teachers not stopping the bullying. They then promised to talk with the Principal and my teacher.

9. What happened after your parents spoke with them?

At first, the bullying got worse. Because all the kids that were bullying me were mad because I told on them. They called me a rat and started to get physical and push me down on the ground.

10. What happened after the bullying got worse?

Well, I was really in fear because now they were beating me up so I had to defend myself and started fighting back. I kept on getting into fights every day. And then one day another older boy began to help me and began to push back on the other kids to try to stop them from bothering me.

11. What about the older classmate who started the bullying in the first place? Did he stop?

No, he still did it for awhile but then my new friend got into a fight with him and knocked him down to the ground. The teachers finally saw this happening and stopped the fight. The bully got expelled from our school and my friend was suspended also. I stood up for my friend because he was just defending me so that was why they only suspended him.

12. So the bullying finally stopped?

Yes, but it was gradual at first. The teachers were in better control of the students and were strict more than ever in regards to students bullying one another. Also the students who originally joined in the bullying of me started to respect me more because I didn't back down from them any longer.

13. What advice would you give to others who are experiencing bullying at their school?

I would tell them not to be afraid and stand up for yourself and don't let them intimidate you. I would also tell them not to hold this in or keep it to themselves. Because the pain and sadness will tear away at your heart and it could possibly lead to suicide to end the pain. Tell someone as soon as possible. Either a trusted teacher or your parents. And never give up. You are better than what these bullies tell you.