Alex is a creative and intelligent HAVO 3 student who is always willing to help others. But lately, he has been feeling increasingly isolated at school. Classmates make mean comments about his appearance, his clothes, or his achievements. They laugh at him and ridicule him, leaving him feeling humiliated and powerless. Alex tries to put on a brave face, but inside, he is suffering. He avoids participating in class discussions and tries to blend in to avoid further ridicule. He feels trapped in a negative spiral of self-doubt and fear. Alex has considered telling his parents or teachers, but he fears that this would only make the situation worse. He feels alone and misunderstood. He wonders why he has become a target and if he will ever be able to escape the bullying. Alex feels trapped in a cycle of negativity, and he sees no way out.
Discussion: How can teachers respond to verbal bullying in the classroom? What are the long-term effects of verbal bullying on the victim's self-esteem and mental health? How can classmates make a difference and stand up for their classmate?