OPINION: I make no apologies for firmly directing this message to the bullies, at a deeply personal level.
Bullies are weak, and bullies are cowards.
They're actually scared too and bullies are covering up what is really going on in their life.
I was bullied horrifically at intermediate school by two people who told me months in advance that they were going to get me when I showed up.
And they did.
I never told Mum and Dad.
But I was so scared at one point I peed my pants because it overwhelmed my thoughts. I was put in a headlock and walked two kilometres home, bent over, stumbling on the concrete, protecting my face in case this guy punched me at the same time.
My school work suffered, I hated being there.
Then I got glandular fever, and I tell you, I was the happiest person in history to get the disease.
I had to stay home for a term. "Get well soon," said Mum. I promise you I won't.
My bedroom became my safe place.
Then I stupidly went to college the following year. An all-boys school. And then the tables turned.
I became a bully and picked on a couple of guys.
One for being quiet and one because his voice was breaking.
Chris, I am truly sorry for how I must have made you feel, and also to you Glen, I was a dick.
My apology is as genuine as it is far too late.
But after being on both sides of this, can I urge the bullies to pull their heads in and find a purpose in life. Just know that your brutal selfish and callous approach might just force a kid to self-harm and even attempt to take their own life.
You want that on your head? I'm serious.
If a kid looks different to you, acts different, so what.
Get over yourself and stop the persecution.
And to the schools, step up zero tolerance.
If a kid persists in bullying, show them the door.
Duncan Garner hosts The AM Show.
