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Some people say that bullying is a normal part of school life. It isn’t and it shouldn’t be. Also, the old saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’, is untrue. The mental cruelty of bullying is often a lot worse than physical bullying.
How it Started
I went to school in the 1960s and 70s. I was bullied at primary school, although, things got a lot worse at secondary school. I was always a shy, quiet child in unfamiliar places.
At primary school, apart from a bit of pushing and shoving, the bullying was mainly verbal. I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with me. As a result, I missed a lot of time at school. My mother used to give in to my pleas and keep me off. I used to bring in so many sick notes after being absent you would have thought I was falling to pieces!
I used to feel physically sick at the thought of going to school. I would get stomach pains regularly, especially on Sunday evenings at the thought of school the following day.
Secondary School
When I started secondary school at the age of 11, I recognised a couple of tormentors from primary school, who were unfortunately in my class. The girls who made my life hell were as bad as the boys. Because I was quiet, studious (and terrified), they singled me out for all kinds of nasty, cruel remarks.
I remember one girl who would block me getting to my desk. I was always called by my surname — ‘Look at stupid so-and-so’ etc. The fact is, I wasn’t stupid — far from it! But they made me feel as if I was. I was called names like ‘spastic’, ‘thicko’, ‘ugly’, etc.
I had a lot of time off at secondary school and missed loads of lessons. I was informed in my reports that, if I had been at school more often, I’d have been top of the class in some subjects. My favourite subjects were English, history and art.
I was also pretty good at French and during my first year the school arranged a trip to France — but I didn’t go. Apart from the fact my parents couldn’t afford it, it would have been my idea of hell — spending a week with people who hated me and who I hated for making my life a misery.
Next blog in this series: ‘How Did You Feel at the Time?’
(This blog series is a real-life account of one of our contributors. It provides an insight to know what it feels like to be bullied at school as well as the long lasting effects through life.)
Bullying Resources
Bullying in the Workplace
This pack provides guidance for companies on tackling workplace bullying, supporting the targets of bullying and ensuring the wellbeing of staff.
- Category: Business
- Published: 2020
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 50
Bullying — A Complete Approach
Contains hints and tips for teachers, parents and young people to enable them to identify and tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 94
Bullying Lesson Plans
Bullying and Cyberbullying
This lesson plan covers how to deal with bullying and cyberbullying and contains handouts for the classroom.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 15
Bullying
This covers bullying, the types of bullying, the bully, the target and how to tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 13
Playground Bullying
A lesson plan on playground bullying, the issues caused and addressing the topic.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 17
Free Bullying Resources
Anti-Bullying Policy For Workplaces
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your workplace.
- Category: Business
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Anti-Bullying Policy For Schools
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your school.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Targets of Bullying
This free download covers what a bully is and the targets of bullying. See our resource pack 'Bullying — A Complete Approach' for a more comprehensive discussion on bullying, including worksheets, activities and lessons.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 6
Free Download