Kicks and stones

Dear Suzie,

I would like you to help me. The other day I had a stone and my brother said to throw it, but I didn't want to. So then he came up to me and pushed me on the ground and started kicking me in the back. I think its bruised really bad.

P.S. He is always kicking me on my head and the rest of my body.

Lela, 13

Suzie's answer

This is bullying and it stops here and now. I don't know why your brother behaves so meanly - maybe he has problems of his own. But hitting and kicking you is OUT. Tell whoever looks after you what has been happening and say you want it to stop.

Discuss with them if you'll let them handle it, or if you want to give your brother one last chance to behave himself on his own. Tell him to stop hurting you or you will complain again. If your carers won't or can't help, ask someone you trust like your teacher to call in some help - either starting with a school counsellor or your social worker. Whatever, there's no excuse for what he's doing and no reason for you to go on accepting it.