I Was Cyberbullied
By Tashana
“Tashana is a LOSER.”
“Her real name is Zit Zilla.”
“She’s not a girl, she’s an it.”
It felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. My friend Ana* had just called to tell me to check out a web site. She’d said it was bad, but I still hadn’t expected this. I stared at the computer screen, wanting to scream. Wasn’t it enough that the popular kids tortured me at school? Now it was as if they had followed me home, the one place where I felt safe. Those words were on the Internet, where my whole school could see them. Where the whole world could see them! I was totally humiliated…
When we moved earlier that year, I’d actually thought being “the new girl” would be exciting. I knew I’d miss my old friends, but I didn’t think making new friends would be a problem. I’m very outgoing, and I was sure I’d get in with a fun group. Seventh grade might even be my best year ever.
Things started off pretty cool, too. On my very first day, a girl named Cameron introduced herself to me, and by the end of the day, I was part of her group. They reminded me of my friends back home, always laughing and having fun, and I felt totally comfortable with them. For the first few weeks, I was sure I’d been right: This would be my best year ever.
Popular…and Perfect?
It wasn’t perfect, though. I noticed that some things were different at this school—very different. At my old school, we didn’t really have “popular” and “unpopular” cliques. People liked you for who you were, not because you hung out with the “right” people. But at this school, popularity was everything, and Cameron was the most popular girl in seventh grade. People treated her like a queen, following her around and hanging onto every word she said.
Even though I hung out with them, I knew I was different from Cameron and her friends. They all looked like perfect little dolls, with beautiful skin and hair, and they all wore the latest styles. And me—well, I’m not perfect like that, but I didn’t think it mattered. I thought Cameron liked me for the same reasons I liked her—because she was fun to hang out with and seemed like a loyal friend.
Before long, though, I realized that we were different in another way. Cameron and her friends were always laughing, but sometimes they were laughing at people. They liked making fun of people’s clothes, or their looks, or even their religion! I didn’t like it, but I didn’t want to lose my new friends, so for a while I just let it go. But then one day Cameron and her friends were teasing this girl Ana, saying things like, “She’s so skinny that no one can even see her!” I got mad and said, “Why do you guys think it’s funny to put people down like that? It’s so not cool!”
That’s when the teasing started. Later that day I walked into a classroom and heard a group of the popular kids whispering and laughing. “Look at Zit Zilla,” one of them said. Then I heard “Pimple face…Fish Head…” And they were talking about me! The whole class was looking at me and laughing—all except for Ana and her friend Molly. All of a sudden, I felt sick. I wanted to run away, but I forced myself to sit at my desk and pretend there was nothing wrong. Don’t cry, I told myself. Just don’t cry.
Scared Silent
Just like that, I went from being Cameron’s friend to her enemy. The popular kids all called me names and gossiped about me constantly. They played tricks on me, and sometimes when they passed me in the hall, they’d shove me into the lockers. It got so bad, I hated going to school. Every afternoon, I’d sit in my room and cry.
Maybe you’re wondering why I didn’t just tell on them. I wanted to, but I was afraid. Sure, I’d get them in a little trouble—but wouldn’t that just make them hate me more? Wouldn’t they do something even worse? Besides, although I knew that what Cameron and her friends were doing was wrong, part of me kept thinking that maybe the problem was me. Maybe Cameron and her friends would have left me alone if I’d had perfect skin, if I’d been more like them. Maybe I was a loser, because why else were they doing this to me? And what if Cameron turned Ana and Molly against me, too? I felt so alone, and I was afraid I’d be even more alone if I spoke up.
Then I saw the web site, and suddenly, I just couldn’t stand it anymore. I knew I had to speak up, even if I was scared. After I finished crying, I talked to my parents. And the next day, I went to the principal and told her everything.
Since then, I’ve learned that I wasn’t alone at all. A lot of kids are victims of bullies, and a lot of girls, especially, are victims of “cyberbullies.” It’s so easy to insult someone online—you can cut her down and never even have to see the hurt on her face. You can post embarrassing pictures or insults without admitting that you’re the one doing it. It’s as bad as being bullied in person—or maybe even worse, because the bullies can get you even when you’re at home, in your own room, where you should feel safe.
So I started speaking out about bullying and cyberbullying at my school and in my community. At first, it was really hard to tell my story, but I’m glad I did. Instead of telling me I’m a loser, kids told me I was brave. Some people have even called me a hero!
I’m doing all I can to stop bullying. Think about it: Are you?
*All names, save the author’s, have been changed.
The Worst Day
Have you ever had a terrible day, week, month, or year—got through it—and learned something? Help other girls get through their tough situations by sharing your story.
Add new comment
Send to Friend
Printer friendly version
Comments
Computer
Thank you so much for writing! I’ve been bullied a little bit on AIM by ppl (some of them I don’t even no) but thats nothing compared with what you had to go thru. You are a hero to kids everywhere!
—-Emy
Wow
This is a great and amazing story.You must be so brave.I have been bullied too online but not that bad.You go girl!
You are so brave!!!!!
I would have never had the courage to talk to the principal.I would have turned into a horrible person.I can barely stand up for myself at school.I would probobly turn into just A shadowperson always there but not having any personality.You really inspired me! Thank You!!!!
you & me
You & me are like living in the same world. i am a shy helpless cant stand up 4 her kinda girl.
You can be strong too
What do you mean you can’t stand up to her kinda girl? I bet you could do anything if you tried, even if she is super mean. Just don’t say anything, Try to keep your cool.
Wow
yea!! i so argee!!
Wow
That is so cool of you to stand up for Ana like that. At my old schol, things were like that too. I was lucky to be friends with a really nice crowd, but yeah, there were bullies. They picked on younger kids a lot, which I thought was plain mean! NOw I go to another school, and almost everyone is friends. Everyone is in the same crowd, and we’re all cool with that. I’v never been cyberbullied, but it must be harsh. I’m glad you finally told on Carmen. It was the best thing to do. RAWRAWRAW
Same thing happened to me
One day I opened up my locker and up popped a flyer that told me to go to a website.After school I checked it out and it was about me.It was my friends website that we made together.She put all my secrets on it.When I told someone the website was changed and then a day later the same things were on.
Oh my gosh
I can not believe your friends were so rude and mean to you.
Wow!
The popular kids at my school aren’t as mean as that! They do have the perfect skin and hair, but, most of the time, they are pretty nice. You really are a hero!
wow!
thats really mean of them! youre really brave for doing that.
Go Girl !!
It’s great that you stood up for anna! It was wrong to tease you because of it. You did the right thing. You ARE a hero!
U Rock!
I’ve been bullied too, but not that bad! After I read this story, I felt like I could stand up to bullies, just like you did! Thank you for making me braver. You are definitly a hero!!!
*sigh*
wow, that brought back unpleasant memories. I was bulllied by my “Best Friend” and she even got her boyfriend who was also my friend to beat me up too. I was soo depressed fo a couple of days and when i desided to just let it go she started calling me names and all my other friends names too. I had enough and so did my other friend and we said we cant befriend a girl who doesnt want any friends, and she immediately changed. ^^; so im glad to hear that your story ended up to have a happy ending.
~<3~ Sarah ~<3~
that's real brave of you!
That must have been real hard for you to face, but you kept your ground and spoke up in the end! Just because they said that you were such things doesn’t mean that you are! You can be your worst critic, so hang on and remember that you are special in your own unique way! Don’t put yourself down because of what others say! They may seem “perfect” on the outside, but just like what you said, “They laughed at others”, doesn’t make them so perfect after all!
Inspiring!
Your story is really inspiring! You are a REALLY courageous person!
U GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think that u did the right thing. i find it really sad when u hear things like that bcause i saw this video once about how this girl was being cyberbullied and she commited suicide. its just so sad. so thats why i think u were strong and brave. u truly are a role model that other girls can look up to! u go girl! =) <3
*U ROCK & ROLL*
you are so brave! sometimes i’ve been made fun of, and i stick up for myself too, but some of my friends dont. one of my old friends would act like ur friend, then make you feel bad in some way. i am so glad you had the courage to tell an adult. you ROCK!
Rockin’ Rach
yes! u ROCK!
GOOD JOB ON STICKING UP 4 URSELF! its sooo true that ppl have commited suicide cuz they’ve ben cyberbullied. and thats never happend 2 me (knock on wood) but it could. it TOTALLY could. and you just gotta stick up 4 urself and ignore the ppl. if U no in UR heart that a rumor is not true, then dont let it bother u. but if its an insult then tell sum1!!! GO GIRL! U ROCK! :)
Jo ahSum!
OMG!!!!!!
I cant belive they did something like that… I mean I know some girls are mean but writing were anyone can see it… that is one of the meanest things I have ever herd! It was good that your parents told the principle. way to go!!!!!!!!!
Miranda
I KNOW HOW IT FEELS
I know how it feels to get cyber bullied, it happened tome in mid- school year, it hurt but everyone just told me that i’ll be okay and to get over it. but the thing is that i am over it, but it still hurts a bit because you know that the person could deny it and they usually do, but i had a shoulder to cry on ( my friends and family) you probably did too. but remember this you will probably get over it, but it is okay to still feel hurt (just don’t dwell on it)
-sarah
i no how it feels to!
i no how it feels to because i was playing online chess and u can chat but i diddnt. but some1 sent me a message saying u r dumb then a very innapropriate word
rebecca
You Rock!
That must of been hard on you! And to come out amd tell the world! Wow! You go girl!
PAW
If that happens again, just say paw (which means parents are watching) so they wont say anything bad
wow
I read about that in a magazine at school and I never knew that it was true untill I read this I feel bad for her.
:-)
That’s awesome! Good, Job! They tried to pull you down, but you held on! See, that’s why I both aviod( and aren’t allowed) to go to Chat Rooms. People might say things ‘bout me, but I don’t want to hear/see it.
Zit Zilla
I am so sorry that that is happing to you!!!!!!!!! Iget zits everynow and then so i can kinda relate to your story!!!!!!!! I hope things get better!!!!!!!!!!!
alex
hang in there!
it sounds great you hung in there! Remember: bullies sometimes have problems at home or something, sometimes feel bad about them and ignore what they say!
im sorry
im really sorry that u were bullied. it must have been hard for you. ive been bullied(even by kids yunger then me) but i ve never been cyberbullied tho. again im sorry
-a word of advice- if ur ever being bullied always contact an adult even if you are being cyber bullied.
i hope my advice helps u
-Brittani Bc,Canada
I can relate
1 time, this really mean girl had to sit with me on the bus, and she was always yelling and being mean to me, and I was too afraid to say anything. Then one day, she started choking me! Then I spoke up, and she got suspended for it.
RE: I can relate
Whoa. Thats pretty extreme. You definatly had to speak up! That would be really scary. If someone did that at my school, they would’ve got expelled. I hope you are alright!
—-Emy
that is so mean what they
that is so mean what they did to that irl tashana. i mean it wasnt her fault!! for speaking up, you get torture?? well last year this lady came up to one of the high schools in my area and kids from all the middle and elementary schools went to see her and even some elementary school kids went to listen to her speak. she talked about how people bullied her when she was young and when my older sister told me about it it was so awful. now after hearing it, whenever i see a kid being bullied i try to stop them.
-ariele
i was bullied
this year i was bullied. my “friends”, always talked behind my back. every night, i cried in my room thinking maybe i was ugly and fat. but then i talked to my mom.. and she told me tha i am not fat, i am slim, and i am a beautiful girl who deserves better friends than them
Re: I can relate
Oh my gosh! That’s so terrible! What kind of person enjoys seeing someone, not only in emotional pain, but physical pain, too?!? Sick, sick people that’s who. Did she hurt you? I mean, hurt hurt? Wow, it’s a good thing you spoke up.
~Courtney =^..^=
omg
omg, thats horrible. she should’ve been expelled for that. If you had spoken up before, that probably would never have happened. But at least you did tell on her and she got suspended. -nicole-
BusBullied!
Once there was this girl on the bus and she acted all cool and popular and she was grade younger than me but she made me say “”A“‘s so awesome, Kara’s so lame! Kara smells like a skunk w/ flys, “A” smells like perfume!” Ect. I never told any one and she physically hyrt me too! I only told my friend who didn’t know her but the worst part is that my 3 bffs worship her! (but I’ll always have my altime bff who can see how uncool she is!) So because I didn’t speak up she kept doing it until I graduated, but YOU should speak up thats what will happen to you if you don’t! -Kara
camp friends are my real friends
for some strange reason, all of my friends i make at a summer camp stick up for me when ever im being bullied or teased, and they help me tell on them, but all of my friends (except for 1) at school DO NOT STICK UP FOR ME,they just watch me get bullied and when the bully goes away, they walk away acting like nothing ever happended, but i stick up for them, and i feel used and sad. i am grateful for my one friend who DOES stick up for me. Now, im nawt friends with those girls who dont stick up for me because they leave me out of convos and ignore me at our lunch table.
Same Here!!
My real friends r at camp 2, and I wood almost rather hang out w/ them than my school friends. I have been bullied 2, so here’s advice: TELL AN ADULT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!! Otherwise, it will probably get worse. U will probably b glad u did. Laura
Be happy
I have heard about these days before. When anything bad happens I simply remember my favorite things then I don’t feel so bad. Just think about tomorrow, there will be sun no matter how long it takes for that tomorrow to come.
Virginia and Georgia
Not Cool!
Whatever you do, dont bully them back! If you know them, stand up to them or even IM them a standup note… Also dont let anything they say get to you because none of it is true… You are a wondreful person who you are and they are probably only saying it because they themselves are feeling pretty bad at the time… The only reason they “cyber bully” you is because they are too afraid to actually face someone and say it to his or her face… Let them be assured that it is not okay for you to be cyber bullied… I hope I didnt say too much, (i want to do an advice collumn of my own someday…”ask anna”) Thanx for your precious time…
-Anna
RE: Be happy
Wisley spoken words Virginia and Georgia!
—Emy
You Go Girl!
You are really brave to do that. I would be really, really, really, really (I think that’s enough) scared to tell people how you felt. You go girl!
you are so right
you are right. kids dont have the courage to tell a teacher or principal or parent
I'm cyber-bullied too.
It’s terrible and it makes me depressed.
Hey!
Look, the only reason why they talked about you is because they’re low-lifes! I mean, Is this their idea of entertainment? Maybe it is. Maybe they don’t have an actual life. They just live to insult others. Just to make themselves look good. Just ignore their insults and move along. But if they ever bug you again…I’d probably tell it straight! No one Stomps All Over Me! Anyways you can see I’m not one to take things. I’ve grown up with guys who would throw things at me pick a fight with me and Agrivate me. Until, I’d just fight back! I’m not so bad now, because he doesn’t go to the same school as me (Thank God!) So now I’m not as angry and aggressive as I once was. But the thing that I wonder about is “Why Me?” And “Why Come back for more fighting?” “Why?” I try to forget it, but it’s hard. So I can Relate.
Stickin' up!
I know, I know… I can’t really relate to that, but stick up for yourself, no matter what happens! I used to be so shy- you should have seen me in kindergarten! I visited the school guidance counsler daily! It was kinda fun, though. I got to skip class! YAY! But, my whole point is this: always stick up for yourself!
The Worst Day
I’ve never been cyberbullied but i could really understand the author.
Coping!
Wow! You really had it bad. I almost got sucked into that situation! Awesome job coping! You go, girl!
You go
that was the right choice to tell. cybrabulling is a bad bad thing and you stood up to them.
thats awesome
Nobody likes 2 be bullied-on or off line.I’m impressed on how stood up 4 them!
What you did
Once, I was being bullied because I had wet myself! It was horrible. I know how you feel. It’s good to step up and say whats on your mind. If I were at your school, I would definately call you a hero when you walked by. I think what you did was a very brave thing to do and I’m glad you did it.
wow, same thing!
well, to tell the truth, thats almost what happened to me. there was someone that kept on going on to my e-mail to write bad stuff to everyone that e-mailed me! it was HORRIBLE! my friends did’t trust me anymore, and they actully think that i really did write those nasty + bad stuff! i was crushed. and i still don’t know who did all that!
—Ranny
WOW 0_o
omg that was SO brave of u to speak up! i think its gr8 that ur speaking about cyberbullying at ur school!
<3 Bella <3 :D
i remember...
i remember my 2 bffs cyperbullying at each other. then they became friends again :) Tashana, you’ve done the right thing! i would’ve done the same thing if people were cyberbullying me ;)
you go girl!
That was so brave of Tashana. At school I’ve had people gossiping about me, but not on the ‘net. I wish I had her courage. She’s a great role model to everyone. If anyone’s like that to you, just think: Would I want to be like that? That thought made me feel much better. It helped me survive this past school year! x
omg
wow i dont see how ppl can be so mean! that is so wrong and it would take alot of guts to talk about that in front of ppl! good job tashana! i hope cyberbullying will stop too!!!!!! i personally have never been cyberbullied but some girls were really mean to me last year and i havent forgot about it! so just be brave!
soccerluva45
Cyberbulling
I heard about that from my friends in the 6 and 8 grade. The girl in the 8 grade was getting bullied with the cellphone. People talked about her being a Teacher’s pet.Some boys even went through her backpack at school.Sometimes I get bulled verbel. It hurts anyway you do it. I tell the teacher but they still do it. It just hurts!!!!!!!!!
U ROCK!!
dont worry your NOT alone! ALOT of kids around the world are bullied EACH day! but you ARE a hero!!
"being popular"
REMEMBER. YOU ARE ONLY POPULAR IF EVERYONE LIKES YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE NICE , NOT MEAN OR DRESS WELL OR RICH. It was really nice to stand up for her, too.
I know how you feel
It’s hard to be bulied. That was my entire 5th grade year. I came to school every day knowing that no one liked me. I got so bad, I didn’t come to school for a few days. But good for you! You should feel proud!! You’re a role modle to younger children. It probably doesn’t mean much comming from someone you don’t know, but I’m sure a lot of other people feel the same way. And you’re totaly NOT a dork for not wanting to make fun of people. This just goes to show, everyone can make a difference!
Listen to the stories moral!!!!!
To those of you who are being bullied, tell an adult. Who cares if they’ll hate you more? Do you really care what they think? I’m sorry if you’re being bullied. I really am. TO BULLIES!!!!!!!!! Treat others the way you want to be treated! Do you like being bullied? No! Would you like it? No! So don’t do it to other people. What goes around, comes around, and you get what you deserve! I’m NOT sorry for you if YOU’RE the bully. Does it make you feel good, to make other people feel bad about themselves? Think about that.
Re: Listen to the stories moral!!!!!
You are so right!!!!! Who wrote that comment. It sounds like something Courtney wrote, but I’m not sure. Anyway, that’s great advice!
-Toni
Dear Toni,
Yeah, that was me, Courtney, who wrote that comment.
-Chipmunk_Girl
You rock!!!
My advice 4 girls who are going through this is too: block the message if it’s an IM tell an adult ignore it talk to the bullier in person, calmly and kindly, but firm. hope it worx! -tia
bulling
hey omg ur so brave ! well those peple who turned the people on you are just so shallow coz u dont pick on people for no reason or for any reason for that matter ur a real hero hope ur alright now xxx-x-xxx
U Rock!
U r a hero 2 me thats 4 sure! I’ve been bullied not online but in person and mayb now I will have the strenght 2 tell somebody. thanx 4 all your help Anoymous
Cyber bulliy
Cameron is just plain mean and needs to get her attiude together . I think she teased you for two reasons. 1. I think she bullied you because you did the right thing and she didn’t. 2 . because i think she might have been jealous of you. She needs to get over herself and think of others!
So Great!
You so did the right thing! I’m realy sorry you had to g through that. I know what it’s like. It was totaly brave of you. U ROCK!
-Courtney :-)
Stay Strong!
Those girls were really mean to you. They shouldn’t have done that. You know, I can think of a lot of people in my grade who don’t like me either, but I don’t care. I have friends who are there for me. To those who aren’t nice and kind people, IT”S YOUR LOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have 2 stick 2 gether! : ) -Anna
OMG
OMG! That must have been horrible!!!! I’m sooo glad you got through it though! If that were me, i would’ve done the same thing. But i’d be sooo nervous! U GO GIRL!!!! -soph-