Whether it be verbal harassment or physical abuse, bullying has been a long standing issue in the education system. While the result of bullying can lead to devastating, long term consequences such as depression, important life lessons can also be the result of bullying.

Bullies often times rely on hurtful words to negatively affect someone. They make fun of a person’s physical appearance or other aspects of the victim’s life such as someone’s intellect. The bully’s main goal of the constant, harsh verbal harassment is to make someone else feel less than them, as if they are worth nothing. Junior, Natalie Wyatt, learned that the words that come from a bully’s mouth should not affect how you feel about yourself.

“It is important for people to realize that what one person says about you doesn’t define you. Your value doesn’t deteriorate just because someone thinks you are worth less than you actually are. I think most of the time, bullies say things to make others insecure because they themselves feel insecure, so it’s important to not let what he or she says influence you in any negative way,” Wyatt said.

Another lesson to be learned from experiencing bullying is how to be unapologetically yourself. People who bully often times choose people who are seemingly confident in their own skin, mostly because he or she finds that quality intimidating. Taylor Wood, junior, learned through bullying, to be the truest version of herself, no matter what anyone said or thought.

“I’ve been bullied and made fun of. One lesson I learned from it though was that you have to be more mature and ignore the negativity that is thrown your way. At the end of the day, be you. No one can tell you who you are and don’t be sorry about being yourself because you are perfect just the way you are,” said Wood.

The consequences of bullying can be challenging, but having to endure it can make you stronger as an individual. Experiencing bullying makes you learn that no matter how hard life seems, you can get through it with the help of friends and family. Experiencing bullying fuels personal growth and development. Junior, Madeleine Bush, believes that powering through the emotional effects of bullying can make you stronger and develop tough skin.

“By experiencing bullying, a person will understand not only what it is like to be victimized, but it will also give them strength. It will give them the strength to prepare for the difficult times and obstacles that will face them in the future. It will also give them the realization that they are much stronger than they might have previously believed,” Bush said.

Teasing or name-calling, spreading false rumors about someone, purposefully and publicly embarrassing someone, and hitting, spitting, or purposely tripping someone are all considered aspects of bullying. While the lessons learned from experiencing these are important to know, no one should ever allow them self to be defined by the harsh words or actions of others. If you or anyone you know is being bullied or you suspect bullying, talk to an adult or a counselor for help.