According to stopbullying.gov, Bullying is the use of force, threat or coercion to abuse, intimidate or aggressively dominate others.

The behavior is often repeated and habitual.

One essential precondition is the perception, by the bully or by others, of an imbalance of social or physical power, which distinguishes bullying from conflict.

Growing up, I was never the “popular” kid. I was the smart kid who did all of their homework and was the teacher’s pet. The kid who always did what they were told. Other kids made fun of me because of the fact that I was good. I didn’t have the best shoes or clothes, or the prettiest hair or smile, and I was different. I was picked on and people made jokes about me. No one actually got to know me. When people looked at me they saw I was short, skinny, weak and easy to bully physically and mentally.

No one should be bullied or put down because they are different. If you are being bullied, sure it is scary to know that if you tell someone it might get worse. But in the end it will be better.

Tell a school counselor, teacher, parents or any adult.

Because if you don’t, being bullied is a terrible thing and kids do end up hurting themselves or even taking their lives.

Speak up, because you have a voice, and it can help you and others around you.