I was a victim all throughout elementary and some of middle school. It hurts because I never/still don't understand why I was a victim. A lot of people stood by and did nothing or joined in. I told my mom but she just brushed it off as did my teacher. And I never wanted to bring it up again because  I just thought my problems were never important and everybody experienced this. This caused  severe depression and my self-esteem was/is terribly low. I wish I knew how to forget about my experiences and I want to help prevent it from happening to anyone else. 

Kay, 16,

Ive been bullied my entire life since 5th grade.  I just wanted it all to stop, all on its own, but i realized that for it to stop, you have to make a move.  A lot of my friends are bullied for the people they are.  They are called names that are horrible, even though most are smart, have great personalities, and have some popular friends.  So i work out a lot so that i can protect myself and others.  Speak out if your getting bullied, dont just sit there and wait for the rainbow after the rain.  Thats what i always say.

Ian, 13, Charlestown, NH

I care because I am currently going through it now. I just got a hair cut and they are bangs. Everyone seems to like them and then two boys seem to bring my day down. No matter how many compliments I get, just two negative things brought me down. I had a wonderful day and they said I looked horrible, bad, etc. In bangs. It really hurt me and now I don't want these bangs and I am trying to hide them. I keep hoping that soon they will grow out enough to hide but, nothing is working. Thoughts have buzzed my mind on how wonderful it would be to be home schooled or gone just some where new. I don't want people to go through what I am going through now. I think kids being bullied at younger ages then this is just unrealistic, no matter what age I think it hurts everyone no matter what.

Kem, 12, Georgia