Bullied into submission? No way, say youngsters

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Harry Potter star Emma Watson’s break from Brown University has been put down to continued bullying from her classmates. While Emma is paying the price for her early fame, the fact remains that many normal teenagers also face similar situations. Being run down by classmates — either for being too smart, not “cool” enough, or a junior — is part of the growing up years for some teens.
Says 19-year-old Rovel Lobo, “My build was always small and throughout school, the older boys picked on me. Things didn’t change when I came to college…I prefer to carry a jhola instead of a satchel, and I was ostracized because I was deemed uncool. I finally managed to find a group of friends who share similar interests and found that things changed for the better. I’ve found that when you’re in a group, bullies stay away.”
Teens say they often learn to identify peers who may be potential bullies and then avoid them. Namrata Shenoy, a B.A. student says this is a ploy she has successfully used through her college years. “I haven’t suffered from bullying, quite simply because I avoid anybody who I think may engage in such behaviour. I keep well out of their way. I also think that kids who engage in bullying have some deep-rooted problems.”
Parents and counsellors say that the very first response to bullying is to ignore it. “Bullying may be a part of many kids’ growing up years, but it is a molestation of the person’s emotions,” says counsellor Swati Vats. “That said, the person being bullied may have to take the teasing in his stride at first. Your self-image should not be allowed to deteriorate. You have to learn to walk away from the bully. But if the behaviour persists, then you have to report the bully to the right authorities.”
Parents also believe that a mature response from the victim will dissuade a bully. “Bullying has always been rampant, especially in boys’ hostels,” points out Harsha Murthy, parent of a teenager. “If it is the kind that cannot be ignored, then action should be taken at once. But I would like my child to keep a cool head and tackle the situation with maturity.”