Original Letter

 
Hey, my name is Rachel. I’m 15 and a freshman in high school. Now for a while someone who I thought was my friend was sending me snapchats (10 second videos) of his friends calling me names and saying things such as fat bitch, kill yourself, no one wants you, you’re a fat ass pig, etc.

Of course, me having gone through this before, I acted as if it didn’t bother me. But when they did it again I decided I want this to stop. I spoke up and said ‘why are you doing this to me’, his response (my friends sending me the videos) ‘they’re making me I don’t have a choice’ I responded with ‘if you were really my friend you wouldn’t send that shit to me’ I asked them why they are doing this and they said they thought I didn’t care. I told them I only acted like I didn’t care and that still doesn’t make it right.

It made me really upset because earlier that day my past experiences of bullying came up and it made me cry. In anger and defeat I hurt myself. do regret it deeply and I told them what their words can do to people. I’ve cried every night since then and I don’t want to say anything. I’m in the process of getting a higher dosage on my medication so I’m very sensitive. I just need some advice on what to do. I really do not want to even be here. I don’t have the guts to go but I want to.

Elder Response

You clearly have more class than others in your school.  You said just the right things to your so-called friend, but that is not enough is it?  Turning this on yourself makes no sense.  You did not hurt anyone.  I have never understood what makes a bully do what a bully does.  I don’t understand how your friend could tell you that he had no choice, but I do understand that someone needs to stop this nonsense.

Since I don’t know much about Snapchat or other internet matters, I don’t know if you can show them to people at your school who are in charge, but if you can, do.  Otherwise, show the authorities this letter and/or write down all that these people have said to and about you.  Write down their names and give this to the authorities.  If your parents don’t know about this, tell them.  Your school needs to put a stop to this and your parents can help.

I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this.  You may want to get the law involved, and you certainly want to get Snapshot involved.  Please take care of yourself and help prevent these bullies from harming anyone else.  Let me know how you are doing.

By the by, I am impressed by the way you communicate.  You clearly have what it takes to be successful.  Keep up what you are doing, and “don’t let the turkeys get you down, Rachel.”

Best Regards,

Michelle