Teen Ink Bullying Under Attack: Stories Written by Teenage Bullies, Victims, and Bystanders

WORDS ARE POWERFUL- they can inflict damage and they can heal.  In this anthology of first-person accounts written by teenagers for both their peers and adults, words transform pain into hope and the possibility for change.

Bullying Under Attack is an eye-opening anthology of all three players in the bullying cycle. These conversational essays on life as the bullied, the bully, and the bystander provide insight and inspiration for change. Rather than offer a cumbersome psychological breakdown, this graceful and hard-hitting book places the reader firmly in the shoes of all involved.

The stories written by The Bullied explain the subtleties and agony of harassment, helping readers understand that there is more to unkind words and behavior than "just joking around." Although many of these teens have suffered through harassment by their peers, their essays are both empowering and inspiring. By exploring the essays by The Bullies, readers will discover that the bullies are often times incorrectly labled as bad kids, but many are simply trying to fit in, despite their own insecurities and fears. While these bullies may still have their own seemingly insurmountable obstacles at home, they share their experiences and insights hoping to manage and reforming other bullies. The section voiced by The Bystander shares tales of those who have regrettably watched and those who have stepped up to help others. Here, readers will find the inspiration to speak out rather than just standing by while others are emotionally harmed.

Whether due to race, weight, or jealousy, there are a myriad of reasons WHY. Included in this startling compendium of personal stories that convey the complexity and nuances of what it means to be bullied, are stories of regret, promises, and encouragement that will help readers find solace during their teen years and show them how—as adults—their words and actions can provide strength and reassurance to others experiencing all aspects of bullying. Ultimately, they will learn to find their voices in order to break the cycle for good.

"This book is a unique wakeup call for teens, parents, and teachers to stop, listen, and think about the power of their words and actions."
Vanessa Williams

Bullying Under Attack is a project created as a result of Teen Ink's mission to publish teenagers' writing about what matters to them most. During our 24-year run, we have received hundreds of thousands of submissions from teens, many of whom want to talk about bullying. From these personal, heart-wrenching stories published on our website or printed in our magazine, we've selected the most compelling prose and poetry about bullying.

Bullying Under Attack is an eye-opening anthology of first-person accounts written by teenagers from all three players in the bullying cycle: victims, bullies, and bystanders.

The Victim:

"I was the girl who got called fat every single day. The girl who camouflaged her pain by laughing really hard and talking too loud, drowning out the demeaning comments. The girl fighting an internal battle to get up, get ready, and go to school every morning " 

Elizabeth Ditty

The Bully:

" being a bully doesn't save me from other bullies. I used to think that, somehow, tormenting others would grant me immunity from being tormented. It didn't. Because being a bully doesn't make you scary; it makes you worthless."

Michael Ortiz

The Bystander:

"Sometimes changing a bully is difficult and even impossible. But if you don't try, those who are bullied will never know how much you care, and those who bully will continue to think their actions are acceptable. You can choose to remain a silent bystander, or you can take a stand to defend others. It's up to you."

Bridgette Rainey