top of page
Search

Bullying Hurts – And It’s Time We Talk About It

Updated: Jul 10, 2025

As an author, especially of a book like "Mom, Dad... I'm Drowning", I’ve spent countless hours exploring the emotional world of children and young people. Their fears, their silences, and especially the pain they often carry in secret. One of the most heartbreaking realities I've encountered, both in my writing and in real life, is bullying — particularly how deeply it affects kids who are already feeling different or vulnerable.

Bullying isn't just about teasing or "kids being kids." It’s a repeated and intentional act of harm — physical, emotional, or even social — and it can shatter a child’s sense of safety and identity.

What Is Bullying, Really?

Bullying is the misuse of power. It can show up as hurtful words, physical aggression, exclusion, or even subtle manipulation. It might happen face-to-face at school, or through screens via social media and messaging apps — what we now call cyberbullying.

No matter the form, the impact is real: anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and, in the worst cases, suicidal thoughts.

And here’s the harsh truth: kids who identify as LGBTQ+ are far more likely to be bullied in school. I’ve read the studies, but I’ve also seen the stories in their eyes — the fear, the confusion, and sadly, the self-blame. It’s devastating. These children often begin to believe they deserve this treatment. That something about them is wrong. But it’s not.


Recognizing the Bullies

Bullies often operate from their own deep insecurities. They seek control by targeting those they perceive as "weaker." They manipulate, deceive, and twist the truth to gain power — often at the expense of someone else’s well-being. Many of them crave validation. And that makes bystanders — the audience — a part of the problem too.

It’s important to teach our kids not only how to recognize bullying, but also how to recognize manipulative behavior, so they don’t internalize the lies they’re being told.


Why School Should Feel Safe — But Often Doesn’t

School is supposed to be a place of learning, growth, and friendships. But for many LGBTQ+ students, it’s a daily battlefield. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, almost 70% of LGBTQ+ students in the U.S. feel unsafe at school. A similar study in China showed that nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ students had poor academic performance due to bullying.

Let that sink in: these kids aren’t just missing out on education. They’re missing out on being kids — laughing freely, feeling seen, and being proud of who they are.


What Can We Do?

If you’re a young person reading this and you’re being bullied: you are not alone! I know how powerless bullying can make you feel, but I also know how powerful you really are.


Speak Up

Call out what’s wrong. Even just naming the behavior — “That’s not okay,” or “That’s bullying” — can break the silence that gives bullies power.


Don’t Feed the Fire

Bullies often thrive on an audience. If you see someone being bullied, don’t laugh or look away. Stand beside them, not the bully. Support can make a huge difference.


Talk to Someone

Don’t keep it bottled in. Whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a parent, or a teacher — speak up. If it feels too big to handle, reach out to a school counselor, a therapist or . Your mental health matters more than you know.


There are also confidential helplines and online chat services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. These organizations offer safe, understanding, and anonymous support — whether you’re facing bullying, feeling depressed, or just need someone to talk to.


🌍 International / English-speaking Helplines


🇬🇷 Support in Greece

  • 11528 – LGBT+ Helpline Greece📞 11528 | 💬 www.11528.gr (Anonymous and confidential support line for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and friends)

  • KLIMAKA’s Suicide Prevention Line📞 1018 | Offers psychological support for people at risk of suicide or experiencing severe emotional distress.

  • Day Center “Checkpoint” (Athens & Thessaloniki)💬 www.athenscheckpoint.grOffers mental health and sexual health services in an LGBTQ-friendly environment.


Report It

Bullying should never be ignored. Report it to a teacher, school principal, or counselor. Schools have a responsibility to act — but they can only do that if they know.


Build a Culture of Support

Talk about bullying — in class, at home, in your community. Create safe spaces where every student, regardless of identity, feels respected. Push for anti-bullying programs, peer support groups, and awareness campaigns.

We can’t end bullying by pretending it doesn’t exist. We end it by shining a light on it.


A Word to Parents

If you notice your child becoming withdrawn, anxious, or unusually quiet, don’t brush it off. These can be signs of distress. Create space for open conversations, free from judgment. Ask gentle questions. Let your child know you're there — truly there — to listen and support them, always.


Bullying doesn’t just leave bruises on the skin — it leaves invisible scars on hearts and minds. But there is hope. Through kindness, education, and courage, we can make the world safer for all children — especially those who need us most.

And to any child out there who feels like they’re drowning in it all — I see you. I hear you. And I promise: there is a way out, and there are people who care.

You are worthy of love, exactly as you are.


With all my heart,

Ilias

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page