A girl in my class is constantly being bullied because she's overweight. Is there anything I can to do help her?
– Diana*

With bullying, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety. Though you might not want to tell on a bully, if you think your classmate is in physical danger, contact an adult immediately.

One of the most helpful things you can do is to try talking to your classmate to see what's going on. To a person being bullied, just knowing that someone else is supportive and willing to listen can make a big difference.

You might be able to help your classmate boost her self-esteem so she can react to the bullying in a healthy way. Certain tactics may help stop bullies, like ignoring them, using humor, and not resorting to violence. You can also step in if you hear others bullying your classmate and stand up for her by telling them that the way they're treating her is wrong.

For more information, check out these articles:
Coping With Cliques
Dealing With Bullying

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2006

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Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.