How to Cope With Rejection & Teasing at School

The school-age years are a challenging time. While children are learning and growing and having fun, they are also subject to peer pressure and bullying. Bullying often includes teasing or physical aggression, but also includes rejection and exclusion. Teasing and rejection during this time can lead to lifelong problems with depression, anxiety and addiction as reported by StopBullying.gov. It is important for children and adolescents know how to cope with teasing and rejection so they can overcome these obstacles and live up to their maximum potential.

Instructions

• 1

  Form a support system. These are adults and positive peers that children and adolescents can turn to during difficult times. Talk to other students who may be dealing with the same issues so you can support each other. You may find support from students at school, on an athletic team, in a school club or in the neighborhood. Family members are also a valuable part of a support system.

• 2

  Join a community program. Contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, Boys and Girls Club, church youth group or other youth community program. These organizations help by providing support, teaching life skills and engaging children and adolescents in positive activities to build self-esteem.

• 3

  Talk to the school counselor. Some students may be fearful of going to the school counselor due to fear of retaliation by bullies. You should not have to immediately tell the counselor who is teasing you, although it may be helpful. Express your thoughts and feelings to the counselor and allow him to support and encourage you. The counselor may also provide you with psychological tools to help you cope with teasing and rejection.

• 4

  Think positively and rationally. Some students begin to believe what bullies say when they are teasing them. This reduces self-esteem and can trigger depression. Instead of believing what they say, immediately refute it in your mind. If another student says "You are ugly," say to yourself "I am not ugly." If he says "Those pants look stupid," say to yourself "I like my pants" or "What I wear doesn't matter." Remind yourself that the person who is teasing you or rejects you probably has his own self-esteem issues or may struggle with fitting in as well. This does not make the behavior acceptable, but may put it in perspective.