My Bullying Story

Thought I'd make this given that it's September, and school is starting up again. I didn't mean to get as emotional as I did, but I hope this story resonates with you guys, and I hope you choose kindness, always.

[@kathy6937]

This is one of many reasons why I decided to become a teacher. Children can be so cruel. It is so important to teach them how to be kind to one another and to be there for those who feel like no one cares about them.

[@iambentlee]

Katy Kitty you are amazing for that! 💗

[@jenny-hamel]

That hurt never goes away. I was probably 12 or 13 when the most apparent bullying started for me, I'm 32 now. I ended up getting suspended in middle school (almost expelled) for how I reacted to how people treated me. Thankfully all worked out, in highschool I learned that being OVERLY different gave me armor. I think the worst time is when you're just coming into yourself and trying to figure out who you are and if you're just different enough to be a little 'weird' but not SO different that it's a style choice.. that's when people target you, when you're most vulnerable. My heart hurts for you. You never deserved it. You're such a beautiful shining light now, just continue to show 'em what you're made of

[@angelaa8285]

Bullying at school ruined my self esteem, I’m 33 and only just realising now how much it has effected my adult life..I can still cry about it now too

[@101runaways]

I was bullied in high school too, I had to go to counselling to get over the depression and low self esteem. It took years to stop the words from affecting me, over a decade later I can still remember the exact things people have said about me. If you dont deal with it, it will never heal, but good news is you can move on if you choose to work through the hurt.

[@SR98889]

Oh girl... this was my entire elementary school life. To the point I would skip 2-3 months of school per year. I 100% feel you. I’m 33, and just starting to get over it now.

[@iambentlee]

Sarah Robertson oh my gosh :( I’m so sorry you had to go through that.

[@MrDominic600]

How tf did u even execute that

[@irenearg647]

Wow, I cried with you.. I'm so sorry you had to go through that

[@iambentlee]

Irene Arg I’m sorry this made you cry. But thank you for the support. It means a lot ❤️

[@enamorarteboutique2297]

You’re story is so similar to mine, with the exception that I never went back to being that outgoing, happy, trusting person. I still feel insecure by that and many other things, cause what bully’s don’t know is what you’re going through at home and how they’re making it ten times worse. I fight through all my insecurities everyday. But I know it can get better for me, for you, for all of us. Stay strong 💕

[@Moonwalker80]

I'm sooooo sorry about what you went through! Kids can be so cruel. They have no idea how much of a mental and emotional scar it leaves on a soul, even as years pass on by. It kills me to see you cry!! Please, please know you're an amazing soul!!!!! If no one can see that, then they're truly blind! Keep spreading the positive light that you shine! We love you!

[@iambentlee]

Melissa C. Thank you so much ❤️

[@Moonwalker80]

@@iambentlee ❤

[@moutrayleah9166]

im balling my eyes out, i hope youve recovered well and i hope them bullys have grown up and leart how to actually treat people and i bet they probably havent glowed up as much as u, even though ive never seen u when you when you where younger xxxx

[@jnicolexo7654]

Oh darling I am so sorry you went through all of this. You are such a sweet, pretty, and bubbly person. I can totally relate. I got bullied in 5th grade too and all the way up through 8th grade and I know exactly what it is like to be the new kid. I started a new school in 5th grade where nobody would talk to me or be friends with me. I just felt like that I didn't belong. 7th grade was my absolute worst year. People called me ugly and stupid and the kids wouldn't let me sit with them during lunch. I would go to the nurse everyday and would pretend that I had a headache or that my stomach hurt because I just wanted to go home and to get away from them. During lunch I would hide in the library and eat my lunch in there. This one girl used to spit on me and she threw paint and glue on me in art class. It got so bad that I had to switch schools in the middle of my 8th grade year. I'm 30 now and sometimes to this day I'm still bothered by it. Bullying can leave permanent scars. Keep your chin up, stay strong, and enjoy life.

[@leonardbalm2263]

Thank you for sharing this and trying to help people in this situation, I watched some of your videos and I can tell you are a beautiful and potential valuable person to have as a friend, a person that spreads good energy, if someone in some moment didn't want to have you as a friend, most probably they didn't even deserve it in the first place and you are better without their friendship. Have an honest judgement about yourself, work the things that you don't like and can change, and accept the ones the you can't change, this way you get armoured against judgments.

[@roseyw4641]

Aw girl I cried with you because I have been through a similar experience ♡

[@iambentlee]

Rosey W ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Nicreb]

Rosey W me too♥️

[@karaheld4585]

I was bullied in high school from this girl all bc she didn't like my perfume. One day my bottle broke in my purse so it was really strong and she literally covered her nose with her shirt and made other kids stay away from me from that day on. She was the ONLY person who had a problem with my perfume. Everyone else would literally ask me to borrow it. I still remember being in the hall way and her talking to everyone in our class and telling them to stay away from me while we waited for our teacher to unlock the door. I mean she would literally stop other students as they were walking towards me and tell them to stay by her, so I ended up standing alone on the other side of the hallway. It was so bad that I would ask my friends to smell me every chance I could get to make sure I didn't actually smell. Unfortunately I still have problems with the fear of stinking. I still get my boyfriend to smell me after 8 years together to make sure I dont have a weird smell all bc of her. Literally the smallest thing like smelling bad has caused years of emotional problems just bc of how badly she bullied me. I do have to say I did stand up for myself tho and told her to fuck off in front of the teacher so I have that going for me 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️

[@iambentlee]

Kara Held oh my gosh! What a cruel girl! I don’t understand why people are like that, but I’m happy you stood up for yourself. ❤️

[@karaheld4585]

@@iambentlee Girl, idk why she was like that either! She literally did that crap for two years straight. I unfortunately had two classes with her my freshman and sophomore year of HS. I still can't believe she did alllll of that over not liking my perfume, it was ridiculous. It got to the point that I asked my teacher if I could move to the other side of the classroom and sit by myself bc of her. Even after I stopped using perfume all together she would still say I would stink, she was just a cruel lil girl and had her undies a lil to far up her ass I guess lmfao 🤣

[@MsDitto72]

I wonder what happened to that girl now. Some people are just horrible and rotten on the inside

[@karaheld4585]

@@MsDitto72 well she's getting a divorce so she has that going for her 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@SSakiBlossom]

@@karaheld4585 if you think that's bad you should listen to my story. When I was a junior in high school I was bullied so bad it was crazy. I got made fun of because of a mistake I made in the past. It was so bad that I had to transfer schools I was depressed and felt like everyone was against me

[@kirstenleigh745]

Girl.. I FELT this. I love the part of your heart that you share with us. Thanks for being vulnerable. Pain so deep can be hard to overcome, I hope that you find something to help your heart heal. Love you girl ❤️

[@FromEnrik2Aulos]

This reminds me of 6 years ago when I moved and started at a new school. I was always a shy quiet kid outside of my small circle and am now still an introverted adult. But during my orientation for that first year I saw a stranger sitting all alone in the cafeteria and decided to sit with her. I felt so relieved when her face lit up because I’ve been there so many times feeling unapproachable just because I am introverted. I’m so glad you shared. I know it’s hard when all you want to do is get along with everyone but some people will seek out your insecurities and vulnerabilities anyway

[@FromEnrik2Aulos]

Also, really can’t relate when people say high school was the best time of their lives because I was bullied for my race, voice, body type, quiet personality, and hair. And not just by other students but a couple teachers. I’m so much happier now even though it is still hard to talk about certain instances

[@MissKurdistan1987]

You’re not alone, this happens to many at many different stages of life, and you just have to know that nothing is wrong with you and you are not the one who’s supposed to be ashamed of how you are but the bullies are. I was 9 when I was denied attending school altogether because we were immigrants in an underdeveloped country and I lost all my “friends” because they thought something was wrong with me that’s why I can’t go to school with them. In reality it was just the fucked up government that didn’t allow us to attend school, so at age 9 until 12 every September I’d sit down look at my school outfit and books and cry for hours, finally at age 12 I got over it and when I was 18 we moved to a country where I had ro start school but it was too late for me I had lost all the knowledge and years to be at school so I just tried to stay away from class as much as possible, I graduated but never made any friends in school. I’m now 32 years old and I wish I didn’t cry for losing those “friends” or not being able to go to school it’s hard I won’t lie I still think about it but I’ll tell you this, NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is more important than your health in this world so I recommend you stop crying when you think about those times just know that You’re not alone and you won’t be the last person to have gone through that just try to think of all the good things you have in life, like your HEALTH and the people in your life that love you aka your family. I suggest this because I am 32 and I have no tears left I have very very dry eyes where everyday by the end of the day I struggle so much to keep my eyes open from discomfort of dry eyes my dr has told me it’s very rare to have such dry eyes at my age so I have to put bunch of creams in my eyes every day to be able to just keep my eyes open. So please don’t cry and only think of your health. Much love from someone who knows your pain ❤️

[@katalinbalazs8671]

Wow, I clicked so fast on this video because I can relate so much. I was bullied from age 14-16 for being bisexual, that was over about 10 years ago (I'm 26) and I really understand what you mean when you say it's still hard to talk about because these things unfortunately have that kind of impact on us. It's crazy how some people can be so inconsiderate. People might not realize that behind the biggest kindest smile there is a person who is hurting. I always think about this when meeting people and try my best to be warm and nice even if they wouldn't necessarily do the same. Also just wanted to add that you are extremely pretty, not just on the outside but you also seem like a decent person and I love your videos! ❤️

[@iambentlee]

Katalin Balázs thank you so much. And I couldn’t agree more! The very best thing you can do, to anyone you meet, is be kind 💗

[@leighannmcgowan5239]

I know it sucks ...it totally ruins your self esteem ...I'm 46 now I just realized there was nothing wrong with me ...they had the problem ya know I just at the wrong place at the wrong time ...I felt bad when you started crying ..your such a beautiful. Girl.bullies are people who dont like themselves. ....happy people dont put other people down .period !!!!

[@samuelluttrell-henshaw2322]

I was bullied all the way through primary school (elementary school). I don’t remember a lot of it because of how young I was, but this boy in my class would taunt me and go out of his way to try and really irritate me. I had a lot of emotional and social problems as a child (I used to cry every day for the stupidest reasons) and he used that to his advantage to try and hurt me. I despised school back then because of this. I was even bullied by kids who I should’ve been able to just deal with easily, it sounds pathetic but i just let them harass me through fear of getting in trouble. When I went to secondary school (middle school) my bully wasn’t there so i thought it would be different. It wasn’t as bad, but I did get a lot of people saying I was skinny or telling me I was gay because I have a gay voice. It just irritates me how everyone has a problem with calling someone fat, but when someone makes fun of someone for being skinny it’s okay, well no it was hurtful! And the gay thing: I am not against gays at all, I’m just not gay myself, even if I may come across that way. Because of things like this, when I got older I was very insecure about my body and just myself in general. I hated the way I was, I hated my skinny body and I hated my fit into the “gay stereotype”. It wasn’t until I was about 15 when I properly got into a friendship group and it was brilliant because before that I barely had any friends! However the thoughts and insecurities were still there. Now I’m at university I feel much better in myself, not perfect, but I’m improving. And I’m INFINITELY more confident; I speak to new people with ease now. Thank you for your video and for spreading the message of how powerful bullying can be.

[@matsunso4273]

This is awful, people are so mean. I was bullied in grade five too 😞 this girl was so mean, she spread lies about me, shoved me when I walked past her, made fun of me, gave me dirty looks, and made my friends turn on me, I have only 2 really close friends rn grade 6 and I honestly hate school because of this. I’ve been called ugly, fat, waste of time air and space etc. It sucks. I feel awful that I had to go through that though. Btw OSTRICHES ARE ADORABLE IN MY OPINION

[@jeanlopez9260]

When I was 10 years old I moved to Florida from Costa Rica. I really wanted to make friends because I was so afraid that I had left my family behind and it was just my brother and I, and I didn't want to start this whole journey and not have anybody. I didn't speak the language which was difficult at 1st, but I remember this one kid in particular who used to tease me the very 1st day of school and he would call me names and just would banter me about my language. He would tell me how I was foreign and weird, and how I was just not a normal looking boy. He would tease me a lot and push me. He would exclude me from games and I felt so horrible that I would go home and crying. Feeling as though I'm not worth it. I remember I did have one person, his name was Marco and he was from Central America also. So he spoke Spanish and he would translate things. Eventually I got to the point where I would understand what the kid was saying and Marco would try to protect me by translating something different, but even having 1 friend somebody treating you that badly just damages you. People cannot imagine what it was like to feel like you don't belong or that you shouldn't exist. I relate to your story a lot and I'm so glad that you put it out there for people to see because you have an influential platform that will reach your viewers to help encourage people to be nice and just be different. I love watching SONGLAND on NBC (and by the way I think that you should go on now show), but there was a song that was written with will.I.am and it's "be different, be nice" and I think that's just a message that kids need because we're not born prejudice, we're not born with anger in our souls, we're not born with bitterness. All of that is instilled in us by our families, by our friends by the people that we hang around with that we assume are friends. I'm just so happy to see that you've moved in a positive direction so I just wanted to thank you for sharing a story that really connected with me because I too was bullied by people until the last day of high school. Keeping on being the amazing person you are, Hailey!

[@gloriaikhaine678]

You are really pretty ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@hannahlovett4680]

middle school girls are bitches!! like everyone’s friends in elementary and then once you’re in middle school, people become ruthless it gets cliquey and then that carries on into high school. i’m so sorry that happened to you. you’re such a beautiful person inside & out. thanks for sharing ❤️

[@chiarmy2364]

I’ve been through some bullying nothing extreme In my opinion.. The rude girls spread fake rumours about me and then everyone went against me . They all chatted crap about me . Yes no physical abuse was going on . But it still made me feel sad and trapped . I did have a group of friends but they group of friends where wayyyy bigger .

[@Mitchell2311]

How can anyone ever bully such a beautiful girl they were just jealous of how beautiful you are

[@iambentlee]

mitch jenkins thank you 💗

[@abrahamt8689]

I get bullied in school, I have been for a while now. I go to a small, nonpublic school so it mostly goes unnoticed as there are students with a broader range of issues to deal with. At first, it was because of my weight. I was almost at 190 pounds but with good diet and a good workout plan I was able to put down 30 lbs and feel much better and healthier. I am now at 168 lbs but get constantly ridiculed for being awkward and because I tend to wear mostly plain clothes like dickies and pro club instead of the super expensive shit like element, primitive, Gucci, etc. I get pushed into lockers, have had someone piss in my shoes while I left them in the locker room, have had my wallet stolen( luckily found) and have been ridiculed for my preference in music and video games. I love edm/industrial rock/ hip hop more than lil tecca and whoever else is popular nowadays. I try to just focus on myself and my work (a clothing store) but it is getting hard and have been getting really depressed and have wanted to end my life.. can anyone help?

[@pamelabaez1726]

Youre so beautiful. I dont know you but I hope you know youre enough just the way you are.

[@sarajayz2480]

it made me cry. i feel it. everyday.

[@Navaholara]

I will never understand how people can be so cruel.. What makes them act such evil. Anyone? Really.. i feel you girl ♥️

[@maddiev2721]

I’m a freshman in college and I still get bullied and still to this day no one will sit by me. I’m in college classes and have a seat in front of me and 2 seats next to me that no one will sit in. The only reason someone sits behind me is because his friend sits next to that seat. No one will talk to me and whenever we get paired up by the teacher I always get dirty looks from the people I’m paired with. Just sad

[@mariaelenes243]

Maddie V I am so sorry to hear that people can be so cruel keep your head up

[@iambentlee]

Maddie V wow that makes me so upset. I’m so sorry you have to deal with that 😕 I would sit next to you, always ❤️

[@katbarron]

The same exact thing happened to me in 5th grade. My family moved a lot and I started school in a small town. The “cool kids” wouldn’t let me sit near them at lunch. I wouldn’t get passed the notes students would share in class. And the worst was the birthday party my mom planned at a skating rink where all my classmates were invited and NO ONE showed up bc the “cool kids” told everyone not to go. I’m now 32 and looking back makes me realize how much RESILIENCE that built in me. Bullying sucks and it’s not ok, but I hope you realize the JOY you spread through being who you are. I have laughed at so many of your videos bc you are authentic and keep it real. So thank you for being YOU girl

[@aprilmae3206]

Alot of people get bullied. Dont feed the flames. You cry your letting them win. The best you can do is turn the other cheek and get self love

[@graui908]

As a man I disagree. Work out and if they get physical, destroy them. That is what helped me.

[@mikeanthony3986]

You have a kind heart. I wish everyone could be special like you.

[@iambentlee]

Mike Anthony thank you 💗

[@mattitata]

your eyes 😍😍, but nobody should go through that 🙁

[@samanthaodaniel]

I hate bullying, I was bullied in elementary school and in middle school.

[@iambentlee]

Samantha O'Daniel that makes me so sad to read. Sending you lots of hugs ❤️

[@adoreee.daedae._2]

I used to be bullied in middle school too

[@BaverIy]

Can relate. I've been bullied at college and at work, too...

[@BaverIy]

God bless the place I work at now. The nicest colleagues and management I ever had...

[@Katprzk]

This video needs to be shared across all social media not just KZbin. This is sooo important. PS. Your hair is looking INCREDIBLE. 🥰❤️

[@iambentlee]

Kathleen Douglas thank you so so much ❤️

[@aimeegelineau2451]

Kathleen Douglas I know her hair is literally the prettiest thing I’ve seen all day and she is so pretty I’m actually envious. Kids are jealous

[@SouthernYankee]

Thank you for bringing awareness to bullying. Emotional bullying is often more scarring than physical. I had it a little but my shy little girl who is almost 19 spend almost her entire senior year sitting alone at lunch reading a book or playing on her phone. She had no friends and she couldn’t wait till the year was over. She is beautiful just like you are. Let go and try and heal because otherwise you will carry this burden you don’t deserve the rest of your life. This world is mean and getting meaner. Rise above strong girl. Your talented and gorgeous and going places! You didn’t deserve that and don’t give them power by believing their false statements! Stand strong knowing they have no power and what they said is false!

[@jennafitch2701]

Wow that is so crazy. It seems like everyone no matter what they look like people will find a way to bully you. I was bullied all through my school years as well. It does still hurt to this day. I am glad you were able to turn your story into a lesson and teach the younger audience and older audience what an impact words are. Thanks for sharing and I hope one day you will get healing from this!

[@iambentlee]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@ashleyyy1]

Your channel’s about to pop off.. love u gf keep being you. Happy to see you posting again🖤

[@iambentlee]

Ashley Kirchner thank you so much 😭❤️

[@iiambriiaa]

DONT LET THEM BREAK YOU DOWN BETTER NOT SEE YOU ON THE NEWS KEEP PUSHING BULLIES ARE DUMB THEY THINK THEY ARE COOL NOPE YOUR COOL BECAUSE YOU KNOW HOW TO BE MICE AND NOT TAKE IT IM BRIANNA AND I LEARNED TO NOT CARE WHAT PEOPLE SAY DO THE SAME

[@montanamccabe9600]

Such a strong message! I’m sorry that you had you go through this, I know it sucks that it still sticks will you. But look how far you have come! You are strong, beautiful, and touching so many lives, spreading so much positivity! When I am feeling down I come to your channel. I wish that I was in that school so that I could have sat next to you for lunch! Keep being you, and screw the negative people!💖💖

[@stefishock]

I can so much relate to your story. I’m 44 and I’m still traumatized of my school years...Im so sorry you had to go through that, I really know how terrible it can be. I’m glad you can talk about it like that here and open minds about bullying! Love you

[@iambentlee]

stefishock thank you so much for your kind words and support. I seriously appreciate you so much 🥺 Thank you ❤️

[@iambentlee]

And LOVE YOU TOO!

[@stefishock]

Bentlee 🥺❤️❤️❤️always

[@jessieckberg510]

Why you so pretty

[@jessieckberg510]

Sorry I haven’t watched the video yet

[@Beforthestorm24]

Oh girl, this does need to be shared. ❤️❤️❤️ i was bullied horribly in school, it was traumatizing! kids think they are invincible and even when police got involved in the 8th grade it still did nothing.. the parents of these evil kids even went as far as to justify their behaviour.... im sorry but there’s zero excuse as to why your kids is bullying an innocent child, beating them up, throwing baseballs at your head, putting gum in kids hair, flushing my head in a toilet (had to cut my hair) You can only stand up for yourself so much before you are drained. I’m also 25, and this haunts me. Every. Day. Your story breaks my heart into a million pieces. But karma gets em good, all you can do is chin up and keep going ❤️ love you girl xoxo

[@xoierr]

Damn. This video reminds me of my primary/middle school days. 😪 I’m 22 and all I can do is think of how I use to just hate just about everyone at school because of how I was treated. I mean the only benefit I had was my cousin who went to school with me and we were basically in every class together. If I didn’t have anyone to talk to, I could’ve talked to him. For where in which now he is really and truly like a brother to me and I’d die for him. Just seeing you like this is heartbreaking for me. I just hope and Pray that no one would have to experience the pain that we have endured, because it is very difficult to deal with even after 10 years.

[@CloverFurlong]

Thank you for sharing , sweet girl. I know what it’s like. I was bullied as a kid also. Unfortunately, so were my boys. I never told you you’re the age of my oldest boy; hearing your story brought back memories of his and my stories. Then my youngest (21) who lives in Burbank now (as of May) was bullied even worse, which all reminds me of why I became such an advocate of anti-bullying. Kids can be so cruel. Unfortunately, a lot comes from the actions of their parents. Keep sharing..it’s therapeutic and you have a platform to spread to the masses. So much hugs, beautiful! ❤️ ~Shelleyvalasek

[@keepmeinyourheart13]

I teared up a bunch while watching this. You have such a kind and pure soul. The cruel words people said to me in 5th grade as well as 9th and 10th grade still are stuck in my brain. I even have a guy who used to bully me on my bus like my pictures now...(def thought I was cute deep down) and it goes to show how insecure he must have been to try and make an innocent kid that has done nothing to him feel bad about themselves. I remember he told me I looked like a “pug” because of the way my face was positioned??? (Kids get really creative man, and I see an animal theme here?) and I just went home and cried and kept asking my mom if I was ugly... Even before I was bullied I remember a new girl coming into our classroom and I walked up to her and asked her if she wanted to sit with me at recess, lol I just always wanted to be kind no matter what anyone looked like so when people started telling me I had a big nose (cue the nose insecurity till this day at also 25 years old) I didn’t understand why. Bullying will never stop completely but I’m glad you’re making this so kids know they’re not alone and that kids will bully anyone as beautiful as yourself just to boost their ego. Also stopping it and shutting it down for other people would really really help for anyone reading this. You don’t know how much of a difference it can make for someone else ❤️

[@janelleblair5847]

You are such a genuine person Hailey! Never imagined you would have went through something like this. Just goes to show, you really DONT know what people are going through/have been through. Keep moving forward sister❤️ and hopefully someone, somewhere will watch this video and always remember to just be nice.

[@iambentlee]

Janelle Blair thank you so much. You are so sweet. 😩😭❤️

[@erinmcdonnell1088]

Looking back on my middle school experience as an adult I realize I was bullied (nothing crazy) because I was so small and nerdy looking lol, but I was sooo naive I didn’t even realize it. I guess ignorance is bliss😂 one time these “popular girls” invited me to sit at their table and then ditched me and I was just kinda like alright and luckily I had a few friends I just wandered back over to

[@mariaelenes243]

Omg i feel you 😭😭😭 i was bullied my whole school lifebit haunts me up until this day the worst i can remeber is when a girl took a picture of me and put it in a bird and started hanging out the flyers i was called either squidword or big bird becuase of my nose until this day it still haunts me and at times hate my self for that

[@brandyward1167]

I'll never understand the point of kids..or just people in general..being so cruel to one another. But look at you now tho!

[@iambentlee]

brandy ward ❤️❤️❤️

[@katierooney8750]

Same.

[@iambentlee]

katie rooney ❤️