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“I’m being bullied at school”

I’m being bullied constantly at school by people who barely know I exist. I’ve told the teachers and my parents but the bullies won’t stop. I feel sick every day and dread going to school. Help me, please.
Patrick

Don’t fool yourself that the bullies barely know you exist. They’ve picked on you because they get some perverse pleasure out of upsetting you.

What form does the bullying take? If it’s bad enough for you to feel sick and dread school you need an adult to intervene and tackle the issue the bullies have with you. Even though you’ve already asked for help you have to keep on telling until one adult takes action and ends your misery.

Go to your school principal or find people locally who are in the helping professions - a doctor, priest or social worker. Your self-esteem will rocket when you decide not to let the bullies get away with picking on you.

“Help! I’ve got B.O.”

Lately, I’ve been sweating loads and it’s really embarrassing. I’ve tried every deodorant under the sun but they make no difference. My clothes always smell of sweat and I know my friends notice. What can I do?
Tom

It’s a fact of life: Changing hormones make teenage boys sweat a lot and so it’s vital they’re careful about personal hygiene. Before boys get underarm hair there’s an increase in the size and productivity of sweat glands. To avoid smelling of B.O. boys need to shower at least once a day, and then put deodorant on and change into clean clothes. There’s nothing you can do about sweating a lot, but you can avoid stale body odour by never wearing the same garment twice.

“My friend betrayed me”

I’ve fallen out with my best friend cos she’s a massive gossip. I told her some things in secret and she spread them round my class. They weren’t life or death secrets but that’s not the point. We were really good mates and now I feel gutted. She said she’s sorry but I can’t trust her again.
Gemma

We often assume that our friends live by the same rules as we do. They don’t. Unlike your friend, you have the maturity to keep a confidence.

There’s a life lesson to be learned here for both of you. Everyone deserves a second chance, so perhaps you should accept your friend’s apology and let her earn back your trust. And remember: trusting a gossip with a secret is about as wise as inviting a leopard to change his spots.

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