Pupils hiding talents from bullies, survey suggests

Alternatively, you can try to find a way "in the market".

School have 3 markets : social status, grades and actual knowledge acquisition (the lesser of the 3).

In my high school in the french suburbs (quite different from the US suburbia), there was definitely a bullying risk - while not as big as what US movies show, it was not zero.

I had a problem with ensuring my physical safety at times - especially since I was a bit socially awkward.

There were also a group of student sharing a dresscode, and their violent ways. They also had a problem with getting good grades.

We stroke a deal which was quite good for all the parties involved (except for the bullies) - basically switching seats assignments during tests, and passing good enough answer to get passing grades.

There's one day I can never forget, where I teased a bully and his girlfriend, and was escorted out of the class by gang members when he came back with many friends. They were just intelligent enough to figure it was a fight not worth starting - especially for their own sake.

True story- memories and experiences like this, money just can't buy. It's the best education there is about life and the market.

"Nearly half of UK children have played down a talent because of bullying fears, a survey of 1,042 children aged 11 to 16 suggests.

And more than a quarter of those polled for England's anti-bullying week said they had quit an activity they enjoy for the same reasons."

heh. in many countries you get bullied for getting shitty marks.