To feel like I am being bullied by children?

[GreySealWhiteWater]

I have started a new job and I know children can be cruel but I am starting to feel a little bit bullied

The situation is that the children mock my weight but do so quite surreptitiously and as such challenging them is different. I'm also feeling really paranoid. Have never had this before.

AIBU and a bit of an idiot?

I think I probably am being an idiot

I would confront it and say it is how a person behaves that is important not how they look.

YANBU

What they are doing is bullying, is there anyone at your workplace you can speak to?

No you are not being an idiot. I have seen this happen, to adults sadly. You must raise it with Management. They will want to know about it. and tackle it.

It happens quite badly to teachers from kids. I was in classes where some of the kids made the teachers cry. This was over 10 yrs ago. I can imagine it be worse now.
You need to speak to management

Bullying regarding weight is one of the last bastions of bullying. Chidren who would know full well not to comment on skin colour, disability etc do talk about weight. They got that from somewhere. I'm talking about Primary children here. They will use it as a generic insult in the same way as "gay" used to be used, to each other as well (whether overweight or not). Seen it lots

It's done quite surreptitiously like I say. Plus I don't know what management would think - bullying by 12 year olds!

School is not like when we were children They should, and mostly do, talk very openly about bullying. I hope you talk to someone.

Teachers put up with so much. Yanbu

I've seen it happen in school. I'd pull them up on it immediately. This might be easy if you're still quite new, and will be hard, but easier in the long run. I would also mention it to management but after you have already tried other strategies.

I occasionally make reference to my own weight in the classroom - not disparaging myself but just pointing it out in the context of whatever we're talking about. This helps the students to realise it isn't a sore point with me, so there is no weak spot to be probed.

What makes you think they are mocking your weight btw?

Lots of things. Little things really.

This must be hard but the only way to stop it is to challenge e erm single time.

Well yes but the problem is when it's a sly/snide reference then sometimes it is better to ignore it.

You have to get on top of it. They're rude and need to be told not to do it. Be firm and do not let them know they've got to you. I was a teacher and some of the kids were so awful I'd cry in the toilets! Do not take it personally, they don't know who you are and don't have any idea that you are a person or have feelings.

What role/setting are you in-are you a teacher in a school?

Like what, though?

To clarify why I am asking, advice for dealing with this will differ depending on how explicit/implicit the mockery is.

Can you give some examples and we could help with responses?

I agree sometimes it's better to ignore but if it's distressing you, you'd probably feel better taking action.

Yes, I'm a teacher. I'd rather not say Trifle if you don't mind. A bit too specific.

Up to you, but hard to offer you advice without more info, sorry.

I don't think I want advice Trifle, thanks all the same. Just sharing feelings

I was called an 'effing dwarf' every day for 6 months before I found another post. The school did nothing to stop it. I am still short but in my school the kids comment on it but I just shrug it off as they are not being snide. I use it to my advantage too! If I wear black they think I am one of them [from back] and I get to hear what is going on.
If it is malicious then I would tell SMT. Keep a diary of what was said and by whom. Just because you are an adult doesnt mean it shouldnt be investigated.
Hope you feel ok soon and it is sorted.

Okay I'm sure it doesn't feel nice.

Not sure why you're pulling faces. No, it's not very nice.