The Impact of Bullying and Personal Struggles

Bullying stems from personal insecurities and a desire for power, impacting victims deeply.

### The Cycle of Bullying: Understanding the Impact and Seeking Help
* 😢 "Abuse, bullying, and suicide are all very serious issues," highlighting the **importance of reaching out for help** if you or someone you know is struggling.
* 🤔 The speaker reflects on their experiences with bullying, acknowledging that it has been a **lifelong struggle** but also expressing a sense of **forgiveness towards the bullies**.
* 💪 They assert their self-worth by stating, "**I am generous. I am self-confident. I am pretty okay**," despite the negative experiences faced at school.
* 👀 The dialogue reveals the **harsh judgments made about peers**, showcasing the **toxic environment that fuels bullying behavior** and the **need for self-reflection**.
* 😠 The speaker admits to bullying others as a way to **feel powerful**, indicating a **cycle of pain and exclusion** that perpetuates negative behavior.
* 🎭 Attention gained from bullying can create a **false sense of popularity**, as the speaker notes that being mean often draws **laughter and applause** from others.
* 🚫 The fear of becoming a target themselves keeps bystanders silent, perpetuating the **cycle of bullying** and making it difficult for victims to **seek help**.
* 💔 Ultimately, the text emphasizes the **importance of addressing bullying and fostering empathy**, as many individuals struggle with their own **feelings and insecurities**.

I bully because I feel powerful when I exclude people of my choosing. Is that the girl? Yeah, look at her. I mean, why would he go for her? It's way prettier. Thank you, I know. Look at what she's wearing. It looks like something my mom would wear. I am intolerant of differences, so I ignore the rights and feelings of others so I don't have to look at my own feelings. We should just go tell her something, just end this. I get a lot of attention by being a bully. People sometimes applaud me, and they most always laugh at anything I say or do, which makes me feel popular. Who do you think you are? What do you mean? He was mine. You look at you, you're ugly. Nobody likes you. Why are you even trying? Give me time, and I won't act alone. I will have bystanders who will back me up. They're afraid of me too. They fear they will become my next target. Why are you so mean to her? Shut up. All right, stop. Why are you gonna cry?

Are you gonna go with your mom and cry? All right, watch it back. Maybe I do this because a parent, sibling, or a group, my own peers, has bullied me. I don't know what she's doing. She's doing horrible in school. She wears these ugly boots. I don't even know what's wrong with her. Seriously, like she needs to fix her hair. I gotta go. It's here. Something happened at school again. Why does everything always happen to you at school? What's up with you? I don't know where you got it from. What did I do to you? I mean, I don't talk, but I try my hardest in school. You're worthless. I'm not okay. I try. You don't try hard enough. You're not around me. You don't know this. However, the main reason is because it makes me think I feel better about myself. I don't know why they're so mean to me. No matter what I do, I can't fit in with my family. I just don't understand what's so wrong with me. Stop. What are you doing? What are you

doing. I'm trying to stop you. This isn't the answer. You don't wonder why are you being nice to me. It's happened to me all my life and I've dealt with it. It's not the answer, trust me. You don't understand. I do understand. I've been bullied all my life. It's not that bad. I know you just do it because something is happening in your life and I forgive you. Abuse, bullying, and suicide are all very serious issues. If you're someone you know is experiencing any of these situations, reach out, get help, speak up. I am generous. I am self-confident. I am pretty okay. I am a skater. I am strong. I am happier.

Junipero Serra High School - Teens Take On Bullying | PSA

Tilly's Life Center

Bullying is driven by a desire for power and control, often through excluding others.

The bully seeks attention and validation from peers, using intimidation to maintain dominance.

Bystanders may feel pressured to join in or remain silent out of fear of becoming the next target.

The speaker expresses frustration with a peer who is struggling in school and feels out of place.

They reflect on their own experiences with bullying and the impact it has on their self-esteem.

The speaker feels disconnected from their family and is confused about their own worth and place in the world.

The speaker has dealt with bullying and abuse throughout their life but has learned to forgive those who hurt them.

They emphasize the seriousness of abuse, bullying, and suicide, encouraging others to seek help and speak up.

Despite their struggles, the speaker recognizes their own strength, self-confidence, and happiness.