I'll bet most people think, "Big deal! I hear that stuff every day!" Well, that's exactly the problem. Think about it. Imagine, for just a second, that all those words were directed at you. Every single word.

Everyone was making fun of YOUR new haircut or just you in general. It's horrible. I have been made fun of by practically everyone, even teachers. It hurt more than I can explain. I didn't want to go on, I felt like everyone was out to hurt me and there was no point anymore.

But I found a way to break through the pain and humiliation. Here are some tips that may help you when you are being bullied:

- Tell them to stop, NOW!
- Tell a teacher -- you are not being a tattletale.
- Go to the school guidance counselor if you feel really rotten about yourself, or if you feel unsafe.
- If the teachers take no action, go to the principal or vice-principal.
- Tell your parents. They should be your biggest defenders, and if worst comes to worst, they can report the kid(s) to the school superintendent.
- Don't resort to fighting physically with the bullies. You will just get in big trouble.
- Talk about what's going on with a teacher you like and trust -- they often have the power to scare the kid(s) silly.
- Make sure you get a sincere apology from the bully or bullies.
- Whatever you do, DO NOT laugh along with the bullies. They will only think that you like it and you are an easy target.
- If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them!

Bullying is a huge problem in schools, and if we work hard we can stop it! Even on Whyville it is a big problem. Here are some ways to fight bullying on Whyville:

- Don't bully anyone!
- There is a person on the other end of that little cartoon face, so remember that they have feelings.
- If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them, or whisper little words for them to say so they can stand up for themselves.
- Treat everyone with respect -- even encourage bullies to be worthy of respect.
- Some people gang up on bullies and become bullies themselves. Don't let that happen either!
- If you do end up bullying someone, send them an apology through y-mail, or even tell them in chat, letting everyone know you're sorry.
- Vaporize, silence, warn or 911 report bullies, depending on the level of bullying. Remember, it has to be relatively bad to deserve a 911 report (threatening to attack you in real life, for example -- that's definitely 911-reportable).

Stand up for yourself! Don't let bulllies put you down and make you feel bad about yourself!

This has been MuchAdo, signing off. It's time to find a camel and ride to Uruguay!