Rising above Bullying

Navigating High School with Confidence and Compassion

”I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

A quote from queen of poetry herself, Maya Angelou. It pretty much sums up relationships and the long-lasting effects we have on other people. She is saying that in life, people may not remember every little thing you do or say, but they’ll always remember the good or bad feelings you leave them with. So, it’s important to be kind and make others feel good! 

High school is an amazing time full of chances to grow, learn about yourself, and making lifelong friendships. But its not always easy for everyone. Some people might have a hard time because of bullying. If you’re going through that, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and there are positive ways to handle it. This blog is here to help you stay strong, face high school challenges, and tackle bullying head-on with kindness and confidence.

Understanding Bullying

Before we talk about dealing with bullying, let’s understand what it is. Bullying can happen in many ways, such as verbal, physical, social, or cyberbullying. It’s when someone keeps hurting another person on purpose to make them feel bad. Knowing about these different types of bullying is the first step in handling it.

Speak up and Seek Help

You don’t have to face bullying by yourself, and that’s really important to remember. It’s always a good idea to speak up and ask for help from people that you trust like your family , friends, teachers, or school counselors. Sharing what’s happening to you with someone can be the first step to making things better. Remember, there’s strength in numbers, and having people who support you can help with both practical advice and emotional support.

Developing Resilience

Building up your strength to face bullying is super important. Resilience means being able to face challenges and keep going. Focus on your passions, interests, and strengths to build resilience. Find what you love doing—your hobbies, interests, and things you’re good at—and make those your focus. Whether it’s getting creative, playing a sport, or enjoying a hobby, do things that bring you joy and make you feel awesome. When you concentrate on your strengths, it boosts your confidence and helps you shake off the negativity from bullying.

Building a Positive Mindset

Having a positive mindset can make a huge difference. Remind yourself of your value and self-worth and all the things that make you special. Because you are special and you are enough. You matter. Practice positive affirmations daily to help build your confidence and self-love. Make sure you are surrounded by positive things, like upbeat music, motivational quotes, or spend time with people that make you feel good. You can weather the high school storms and come out stronger if you have a positive outlook.

Setting Boundaries

Know your limits and set boundaries. If someone is treating you wrong, don’t be shy—speak up and let them know it’s not okay. Share your feelings using “I” statements, like, “I feel kinda hurt when you say/do…” This creates understanding within people about how their actions affect you without starting a confrontation. Keep in mind that establishing boundaries can lead to healthier relationships and is a sign of self-respect.

Digital Empowerment

Bullying happens online as well as on school property in today’s digital world. Cyberbullying through messaging apps or social media is actually very common. Being aware of your online presence is important, as is reporting any cases of cyberbullying to the people you trust. If someone is being negative, you should block and delete them right away. Focus on creating a positive and friendly online community.

Seek Professional Help

If bullying keeps affecting your mental health, it might be a good idea to get professional help. Therapists, school counselors, and mental health experts are there to give you valuable advice and support. Speaking with someone qualified to handle these situations can provide fresh viewpoints and coping mechanisms, and give you the confidence to get through your obstacles.

Becoming an Upstander

Think about being an upstander—someone who takes a stand against bullying and offers to help individuals who are being targeted—instead of just thinking about how to protect yourself. This might be reaching out to stop bullying when you see it happening, informing teachers or parents about it, or just being kind to someone who seems to be having a hard time. By spreading empathy and kindness, you’re helping make the world a friendlier place for everyone. Safer and a more welcoming place.

High school might feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, but always remember that you have the strength to overcome obstacles, including bullying. Seek support, surround yourself with positivity, and focus on building resilience. By becoming an upstander, setting boundaries, and fostering a positive outlook, you can contribute to creating a school environment where everyone can thrive.

High School is just one chapter of your life! 

With the right attitude and support system, you can emerge from high school stronger, more self-confident, and ready to embrace the opportunities that await you. After all, high school is just one chapter in your life.

Try and enjoy the journey!