PUBERTY

During adolescence, friends are very important. You feel that they understand you, that you share common interests with them and you like being part of such a group. You also feel that technology and social networks on the internet bring you closer with your friends. Often, however, questions and problems may arise concerning matters you are not aware of or situations you find it difficult to deal with.

Sometimes, there are people in your environment that distress you or give you a hard time, in several ways:

• They may be aggressive and behave violently (push, hit, kick etc.).

• They may verbally harass you (tease, insult, ridicule).

• They may exclude you from activities and groups or slander you and spread false rumours about you.

• They may harass you online by posting personal data and pictures, by sending you threatening or insulting messages or by using inappropriate material that could harm you.

• They may force you to do things that you don’t want and blackmail you.

• They may touch you in parts of your body you don’t want to be touched, pressure you to have a sexual relationship with them or show you parts of their body, without you wanting it.

All the above constitute behaviours that could potentially harm you and are referred to as bullying or harassment.

Build your self-esteem and confront your difficulties

It is important not to accept being treated in a bad way. React in a calm and distant way, avoiding emotional involvement, that is don’t reciprocate a bad behaviour, unless you need to defend yourself. Talk about it with your friends and request the help of an adult or even a specialist, if needed. For no reason you should think about isolating yourself, you are not alone. If you are being subjected to bullying by people from your school environment, even if this happens outside school, it is important for you to know that school management is responsible for such incidents and it is among their responsibilities to intervene if they find out.

If this is not happening to you but instead to a friend or a schoolmate, don’t hesitate to discuss it with her and find a solution. Don’t be indifferent to what’s happening to someone next to you.

Did you know that…

• People with similar behaviours usually have their own difficulties too and also need help.

• People who harass others usually choose individuals that don’t talk much and rely on the fact that their victims won’t give them away, so that they can keep harassing them, undisturbed.

• Sometimes diversity or success generates envy that could lead others to treat you in an unfair and bad way.

• All people have, at some point, been subjected to similar behaviours.

If you have treated someone in a bad way, it is good to make your self-criticism, recognize your mistakes and make up for them. Make sure to apologize. You also need to get to know yourself, strengthen your positive aspects and improve your weaknesses. It is important to respect yourself and others and to never do anything you wouldn’t want to be done to yourself.

Remember: Don’t allow anyone to upset you, make you feel bad and spoil your mood.

In collaboration with:

Vassiliki Dimitrakopoulou

Psychologist, Scientific Associate of the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine

Artemis Tsitsika

Ass. Professor of Pediatrics - Adolescent Medicine, Scientific Coordinator of the Program "PROLEPSIS» ran by the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine