Dear Shayna B.,

I love your column so much, it’s so helpful! I have a really big problem. I am bullied a lot, specifically by a certain girl. It started out with small things and now they just keep getting bigger and bigger. She makes fun of the way I sit, the way I talk, the way I act. She calls me cringy and calls me inappropriate words … and she also has my friends join in making fun of me. I was wondering if you had any advice on how to stop this because it is out of control already, and it hurts my feelings a lot!

Sincerely,

Made Fun of Marcie

Dear MFOM,

I’m so sorry to hear about your problem. It sounds really tough. I had a similar situation once and I think there are multiple approaches you could attempt:

1) The friendly approach: Offer the bully a packaged snack. Say to the bully, “Look, we have been fighting over the past few months and although this has taken a long time for me to say, I think we should just be friends.”

2) The strong but silent approach: Ignore the bully, but carry around a recorder or a recording pen. This will give you proof, should you need it.

3) The direct approach: Stay away from her. However, if she comes over, tell her to go away. Stand up for yourself!

4) The official approach: Write an email or call your teacher or just tell your parents.

If none of these approaches works for you, you can always transfer to a different school!

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

The answer to the previous word scramble is GO MAKE A FRIEND.

This week’s word scramble is: NTOD EB A YLLUB.

Shayna is a fourth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.