Bullying has gotten plenty of attention lately.
Educators, psychologists and parents have detailed the pernicious effects words can have on young people. Schools, the mall, online — bullies, it seems, are everywhere.
But nothing describes the pain and hurt like the words of a bullied child herself.
Silently — simply holding up cards with words and phrases, backed by a haunting soundtrack — a Westport 8th grader tells her story on YouTube.
“Help!” her video begins.
“My name is Alye. I’m in 8th grade.”
She says she may look happy, but she isn’t. She has “3? 4?” friends.
Every day she is called “bitch, whore, fat, lesbo, slut, freak, ugly, weird, fag.”
She is in “therapy/guidance” more than her classes.
“Will high school get worse?” she wonders.
“Help.” She repeats. “Words do hurt.”
Since it was uploaded earlier this month, the video has garnered a few thousand views.
It’s also generated dozens of comments.
Many were supportive, like this one:
I was bullied in school. I’m 45 now, married, we have two kids and more friends than I can count. Hang in there. There’s more to life than what goes on in school. You have a lot of good things to look forward to.
And this:
well done Alye. You are a beautiful girl, inside and out. I know you will be ok!!!! I am shocked of how mean kids are to each other. But I guess many of them are hurt and don’t know any other way but hurt others.
Alye, your life will change the world!!!
Some were more personal:
Alye, hey! it’s Isabel! from french class =)
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles everyday. It sickens me to know that there are people in our school that go through this. Just know that people do care about you, just read the comments! You are so brave for posting this and remember you DO fit in! Hang in there!!
And this:
hey alye, it’s anabelle.
you could be the bravest person I know. you don’t deserve all the shit you get. hang in there cause in high school no one is gonna give a crap anymore. westport sucks I know, but hang in there. you’re strong. and you’re not wrong, words can hurt.
i wish you the best. ps, locker buddies 😉
But there was also this: