"Bullies are attention seekers." I wish I knew that when I was growing-up. But back then the bullies I encounter were pretty harmless. Just class mates looking for short term attention for some quick laughs at your expense. School bullies are looking for one thing - a reaction!
At worst the bullying I experienced was name calling or incorrect labelling. I realise now I was mostly likely a misfit because I appeared like an air head, the reality was I continually created stories in my head. This made be a perfect target for bullies who plotted my demise behind my back.
The worst experience was due to my desire to fit in. While classmate were swamping Easter eggs, I felt more isolated and lone. Due to my cp I could never keep up with the physical activities. I wish I knew what I knew now. Not everything was about my disability. Anyways this boy I kinda digged handed me a white lolly packed. I wanted an Eater egg so bad that I practically jumped for joy.
When I opened a packet my reward was a rock covered in dirt and crawling with ants on that day I saw on their faces the joy their low life act gave them. I still continued to fall into their traps and feel sorry for myself. Little did I realised the non acceptance of myself was the key. Accepting I was different and not caring what the thought stole their thunder.
However I know deep down there is still a little child wanting to belong. I know this because a few months ago I was targeted online. I work hard to help build a community spirit in Ipswich. I shared numerous times about my love of hiding decorating rocks and how it has brought new community connections into my life.
I belong to two online communities Ipswich Rocks & QLD Rocks. When we share hiding spots and our finds. These communities exist all over Australia, try goolge for a group near you. However I was into rock painting about 10 months prior to the birth of the Ipswich group and using the activity in kids workshops.
A new member come into the group seeking attention and a bit of control. He would post, could person who found my rocks please post a picture. I have hidden hundreds of rocks because I love hiding them and I know others enjoy finding them. Without hiders the can't be finders. "I'm a hider" about 10 photos of my rocks have found our facebook page.
Anyway this member decided he didn't like some of the group 'rules' and thought we 'owner' the concept so when he found people selling 'our rocks' he was not impressed. A few of us began to engage with him to bring correction. Go on pinterest and see painted rocks are an art form in itself.(rock painting) This chap argued you couldn't own and sell rocks.
Individuals were then targeted through messager. I was a goodies two shoes for working with disable people. Are the thought that lowly of. No one in the group at that time knew I had a disability and I wasn't going to supply that or any other information. I reported him to the group administration and stopped posting. Bullies want you to engage.
I have no idea who this fella is, but I feel sorry he feels the need to seek out this type of attention. By not publicly posting his thoughts it was my word against his. 'Tell some one.' - A screen shot shows word for word what's being said. Block them - Once the story emerged and I was not the sole target, he was band from group.
These are not people you can debate with. For one reason or another the are angry with the world. Do not believe their lies. I work with other people with disabilities because I believe in inclusion. We need to meet the community halfway. People with disabilities need empower themselves to activity engaged in the community.
1. Stop engaging with the person.
2. Don't ague or debate them.
3. Don't retaliate.
4. Save the evidence.
5. Tell someone.
6. Block the person
7. Report the person.
8. Remember this all about the bully, not the lies the bullies want you to believe about yourself.
At worst the bullying I experienced was name calling or incorrect labelling. I realise now I was mostly likely a misfit because I appeared like an air head, the reality was I continually created stories in my head. This made be a perfect target for bullies who plotted my demise behind my back.
The worst experience was due to my desire to fit in. While classmate were swamping Easter eggs, I felt more isolated and lone. Due to my cp I could never keep up with the physical activities. I wish I knew what I knew now. Not everything was about my disability. Anyways this boy I kinda digged handed me a white lolly packed. I wanted an Eater egg so bad that I practically jumped for joy.
When I opened a packet my reward was a rock covered in dirt and crawling with ants on that day I saw on their faces the joy their low life act gave them. I still continued to fall into their traps and feel sorry for myself. Little did I realised the non acceptance of myself was the key. Accepting I was different and not caring what the thought stole their thunder.
However I know deep down there is still a little child wanting to belong. I know this because a few months ago I was targeted online. I work hard to help build a community spirit in Ipswich. I shared numerous times about my love of hiding decorating rocks and how it has brought new community connections into my life.
I belong to two online communities Ipswich Rocks & QLD Rocks. When we share hiding spots and our finds. These communities exist all over Australia, try goolge for a group near you. However I was into rock painting about 10 months prior to the birth of the Ipswich group and using the activity in kids workshops.
A new member come into the group seeking attention and a bit of control. He would post, could person who found my rocks please post a picture. I have hidden hundreds of rocks because I love hiding them and I know others enjoy finding them. Without hiders the can't be finders. "I'm a hider" about 10 photos of my rocks have found our facebook page.
Anyway this member decided he didn't like some of the group 'rules' and thought we 'owner' the concept so when he found people selling 'our rocks' he was not impressed. A few of us began to engage with him to bring correction. Go on pinterest and see painted rocks are an art form in itself.(rock painting) This chap argued you couldn't own and sell rocks.
Individuals were then targeted through messager. I was a goodies two shoes for working with disable people. Are the thought that lowly of. No one in the group at that time knew I had a disability and I wasn't going to supply that or any other information. I reported him to the group administration and stopped posting. Bullies want you to engage.
I have no idea who this fella is, but I feel sorry he feels the need to seek out this type of attention. By not publicly posting his thoughts it was my word against his. 'Tell some one.' - A screen shot shows word for word what's being said. Block them - Once the story emerged and I was not the sole target, he was band from group.
These are not people you can debate with. For one reason or another the are angry with the world. Do not believe their lies. I work with other people with disabilities because I believe in inclusion. We need to meet the community halfway. People with disabilities need empower themselves to activity engaged in the community.
1. Stop engaging with the person.
2. Don't ague or debate them.
3. Don't retaliate.
4. Save the evidence.
5. Tell someone.
6. Block the person
7. Report the person.
8. Remember this all about the bully, not the lies the bullies want you to believe about yourself.
Help is available
Lifeline Helpline Counselling
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Kids Helpling
1800 55 1800
DO NOT GIVE BULLIES THE ATTENTION THE CRAVE.
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