Dear Shayna B.,

My friend is being bullied. This makes me feel bad. I want to help, but I don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestions on what I should tell my friend?

Dear Best Friend Fixer,

I’m sorry your friend is going through this and it’s so nice you want to help. Firstly, tell an adult. It must be done, no matter the cost. Next, have an adult tell the bully’s parents that their child is bullying your friend. Some people say bullying is not teasing and bothering, just physically hurting. However, I feel differently. I believe anything making someone feel inadequate or upset: physical OR mental is bullying.

There is a chance that the bully is insecure and needs a friend. Trying being nice to the bully. Even if they are popular, it’ll be very confusing for them, and once they know how annoying you are, they’ll leave you alone. If they, however, don’t, you may have to get Fido to pee all over their shoes. By accident, though. Well … not really, but you didn’t hear it from me!

Shayna is a sixth grader and knows what kids in elementary school and middle school are going through. She can be reached at [email protected]. She’s looking forward to hearing from you!