Dear Jellybean,
I'm ok with the school I go to, I have lots of mates and get good grades, but there's this one boy in our class who picks on me and my mates. I'm already insecure, but he really puts me down. I'm scared to be an individual because he'll pick on me even more. What do me and my mates do? Going to teachers has never helped.
Dear Writer,
You are letting one person control how you feel about yourself. That is a major mistake! After all, what's so great about him that you're handing him the power to judge you? Think about what a reject he is inside, to have to pick on girls to get his jollies and feel like a man.
Next time this idiot picks on you, stand up to him and show him you won't be intimidated anymore. It's natural to feel bad when someone says something insulting to you - but don't let your insecurity keep you silent! Sometimes standing up to a bully is the best defense. If you’ve tried ignoring this guy and it hasn't helped, I'd say it's time to speak up for yourself. When he picks on you next, hold your head high and say something like, “Don’t EVER talk to me like that again, jerk!” Or simply, “Don’t call me names!” Speak strongly and loudly and show them that you mean it.
The other thing you can try is turning the tables on him. Some teasers think that putting other kids down makes them look cool in front of their crowd. Make this bully look like a fool by laughing at him and making it obvious he doesn't get to you. Being teased back is not what he expects, and it could embarrass him into shutting up. For instance, if he insults your outfit, you could say something like, “At least I can change my clothes. You’re stuck being stupid and hateful forever.” Or just roll your eyes and say, “You seem to be obsessed with me. Maybe you should get some counseling for that.” Keep your comments light, and let this guy (and his friends) see that you think he's a big joke.
