1. Were you bullied or are you currently being bullied at school?
The only instance I can remember is that I bought a pair of those trainers that flash when you walk... some kid in the year above made fun of me for them. I didn't particularly care since I never spoke to him, I liked them, and I had friends.
2. If so, has it affected you in the long term?
I've never bought another pair of flashing trainers, but that's probably more out of changing attitudes towards fashion
3. Did you tell anyone about it at the time?
I don't think so. It wasn't much of a big deal, though.
4. If so, was anything done about it?
n/a
5. Do you know anyone else who has been bullied?
It's not something that I discuss with friends. My niece and little brother are currently still at school and I've not noticed her have problems, although my brother has got into a few arguments before and the usual tactic used against him is to laugh at his weight or something. He doesn't tell my mother, but I've seen some quite nasty things posted on his Facebook, and I've told her for him... he wasn't angry that I did, but seems to shrug it off anyway. This boy is only someone he sees whenever he goes to the park, which isn't all that often.
6. Have you ever intervened to stop bullying?
I've intervened in physical fights, but at school I was friends (or on civil terms) with just about everyone. There were one or two genuine oddballs at my secondary school... but noone was ever properly bullied. I think in the first year there was a boy who wet himself one time during a games lesson, but he was in a different form to me so I didn't see it, and he left school because of it. But otherwise there's not really been anything to intervene with, the school themselves were very strict against bullying.
7. Would you ever intervene to stop it?
In personal situations, like my brother's, I've found it really difficult not to get angry with the other boy. I don't think I could intervene without insulting him myself, but I've usually told parents/teachers if I have seen someone upset. So yeah I would. I'm sure I would in adult situations, too, since workplace bullying is all the more pathetic.
8. Were you ever a bully?
I think to an extent everyone goes along with the crowd at times. Whether this is laughing when someone falls over, or making silly jokes about people, I think it's something everyone does. That said, I don't think everyone bullies - taking the time to persistently undermine and attack someone just isn't in my nature. I'm too lazy
(and nice...really...)
9. Do you think the schools do enough to tackle bullying?
I can't speak for any other than my own. Both my primary and secondary were pretty exemplary in that regard. I also went to a youth group between the ages of 3 and 8, and I found that they were good communities in establishing this kind of mentality where everyone's the same, and every kid wants to have fun and play games. Carrying that on into school and settling disputes maturely is something that should be focussed on.
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