The victim turns into the bully

My first experience with bullying was when I was seven. There was a girl in my class who liked to show me that she was the boss. I have no idea why that girl hated me so much. One day, during an activity in class, she spat on my face and walked away. I told my class teacher about it but no action was taken.

After that, my anger and hatred towards her grew. Luckily, we were put in different classes in the second year.

At age 10, I faced bullying again. A boy who was well-known for his naughtiness in my class (and school) took my bag and kicked it around during the lesson. Until today I don't know why the teacher did not stop him.

After both these incidents, I felt that the world was not fair. The feeling of vengeance started to grow in my heart.

In that same year, while I was in Year 4, I turned into a bully.

There was a weak and small girl in my class who was targeted by some other students. Without thinking twice, I joined the group and started bullying her. I have to admit, I was addicted to bullying and did it until she cried.

I felt like I had to take revenge (albeit on another person) as payback for previously being bullied. My bullying continued until one day when my teacher caught me. She called my dad and spoke to him about it. When I got home, my parents lectured me. It was a disgrace for me and my family. But thanks to my teacher, I realised that what I did was wrong. I could not believe what I had done. It was as if I was possessed by the devil when I bullied.

Since then, I have turned over a new leaf and I now concentrate on my studies. Now, I am in secondary school and trying my best to keep upgrading myself to prepare for the working world. The lesson that I learned from being bullied is to stay strong.

My advice for bully victims is to seek counsellors if you encounter any bullies (or if you are a bully), talk to your teachers and family members, try to stick with a group of friends who will stand up for you if you are being bullied (if possible) and take up martial arts such as karate and taekwondo for self-defence.

MinekiNeko, 17