My classmates don’t like me and they say mean things about me in our class Whatsapp chat group. I keep leaving the chat group, but they keep adding me back in, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t stand it anymore, but I don’t dare to tell anyone else about this. Please help. – Lost
dear Lost,
What an awful situation you have been put through! This is cyber-bullying and you should not be made to endure this. We’re glad you tried to take the active step to leave the chat group and have found the courage to share about it now. When I was younger, I remember going through a similar incident. I was very hurt as I did not understand why my supposed friends were treating me this way. I felt alone and wrongly accused. If you feel the same now, know that you do not deserve to be treated this way. You are deeply loved and cherished by God Almighty.
Firstly, you could try talking it out with those who are the main instigators and see if you can find a point of reconciliation — have there been misunderstandings or false perceptions? However, if you feel that this might cause you more hurt or bullying, don’t do it. Instead, we encourage you to find someone older you can confide in, such as a parent, teacher, or leader. I know this will be hard — trust me, I’ve been there! But please don’t suffer alone. These people can help provide advice and support that is much needed in this time.
Finally, another solution is to mute the chat when you are added in and turn off notifications from the group. By not reading these messages, you are protecting yourself and not letting their negative comments affect you. On a side note, I would encourage you to pray for your bullies. In Luke 6:27–28, Jesus says this: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” I know this will be difficult, but praying for them and blessing them will help you to let go of the hurt and anger that you feel. And when you do so, God is pleased as you choose to love your enemies.
Dear sister, you are precious and your worth does not come from what your classmates say about you. Your worth rests in God who says you are His beloved!