For 4 years I have been bullied by my classmates. It started it out as something I wasn't really bothered by, but in a short period of time it escalated.

Originally, only one girl was the perpetrator. She would constantly verbally bully me every day to the point where I became depressed. It didn't take long for the whole class to join in. I felt ostracised and alone, and just couldn't bear it.

It got to a point where the principal became involved. He was very supportive, and tried to do all he could to help me, but it was at the extent where I was too scared to even go to school because of the things the class would do or say.

Eventually, I was forced to change classes. I was bullied again the next year, and the year after. Now the bullying had become much more complicated. There were more people involved and it started to get physical. People would push, trip, and punch me. I was too scared of retaliation to tell anyone, so I kept it to myself. It continued on the next year as well, and gradually got worse.

The same year my family moved away and I started at a new school. I get teased a little bit still, but nowhere near as badly as before and I have some wonderful friends. It is important to remember that there are people who are willing to be friendly and care about you, even if they are hard to find.