Q: I am a student in 7th Grade enrolled in a public middle school in Villa Park. My seventh-grade year has been great so far until now. Recently (four weeks ago), this one kid always tries to go up to me during peak times during the day (before school, nutrition, lunch, after school, passing period) and tries to bully/annoy me. He consistently tries to kick my roller-backpack, tries to make me tardy to classes (but fails), shoves me against the brick walls of the school, disrupts my learning during two classes, and sticks his face up close to my face which makes me feel uncomfortable. The only time he will stop getting on my nerves is when a teacher/principal is near or when I walk towards a teacher/principal. I am sick and tired of his actions, but I don’t know what to do! Are his actions considered bullying and what can I do to stop this insanity? (P.S. I am so glad that they have “Ask the Teacher” in The Orange County Resister! Thank you for trying to help me with my personal problems!)
A: Anytime a student is wondering if he is being bullied, he should talk to his parents and/or principal. It sounds to me like this student is singling you out in an effort to make you feel uncomfortable, and that needs to stop.
You will be helping this child if he is bullying you or others by seeking help for him. Here are some interesting facts about bullies: Bullying behavior is purposeful and not accidental. Bullies usually attack for no reason other than seeing their victim as an easy target. The goal of bullying is to try to control another child. Unfortunately, some bullies are seen as popular in elementary and junior high because other children, who are not being picked on, will laugh whether they are uncomfortable or just afraid of being the next target.
Children who bully other children are usually incapable of maintaining meaningful friendships because their social skills are lacking. Bullies usually are not model students and are unable to make connections with teachers. Bullying is also a sign of more serious trouble to come in adulthood, and unless some kind of intervention takes place while they are still in school, bullies might take part in other types of delinquency or possibly even criminal activity. Bullies who are not helped are also much more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol as children.
Does this mean that the student who is bothering you has any or all of these characteristics? I don’t know. But even if there is a slight chance, I think it is best for you to hold your head high and seek help for yourself and for this child.
