I'm Being Bullied by a Bunch of Boys!

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Episode: "I'm Being Bullied by a Bunch of Boys!"
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Podcast Platform: SiriusXM Triumph 111

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Dr. Laura Call of the Day," Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses a heartfelt concern from Gretchen, a 10-year-old girl grappling with bullying from her peers. The conversation delves deep into understanding the dynamics of bullying, offering practical strategies to empower young listeners facing similar challenges.

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Gretchen's Experience with Bullying [01:23 - 08:42]

Gretchen initiates the call by expressing her distress over being ignored and picked on by both girls and boys at school.

Gretchen [01:41]: "All my friends are ignoring me and they just like. They act like they don't care about me and they act like I'm not there and I'm invisible and all the boys are just like, they're really mean to me and pick on me."

Dr. Laura responds empathetically, questioning the validity of Gretchen's blanket statements about her friends' and boys' behavior.

Dr. Laura [02:06]: "That's not how friends behave. So when you say all my friends are doing this, Friends never do that. That's not how friends are."

Gretchen recounts a specific incident in her Spanish class that exacerbates her feelings of invisibility and hurt.

Gretchen [02:39]: "In Spanish class, we were watching the running of the Bulls and then just some of the boys just looked back at me and they said, Gretchen, the bulls are running from you because you're so ugly. And it really hurt my feelings."

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Analyzing Jude's Behavior [03:12 - 04:00]

Dr. Laura delves into Gretchen's interactions with Jude, identifying him as a persistent troublemaker who targets multiple girls, yet seems to focus more on Gretchen.

Dr. Laura [03:22]: "He probably thinks you're the cutest because boys tend to behave like that at that age. When they like a girl, they tend to act in the opposite way."

She encourages Gretchen to reflect on whether her responses differ from those of her peers, potentially influencing Jude's behavior toward her.

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Introducing a Powerful Response Technique [06:11 - 07:55]

Recognizing the ineffectiveness of Gretchen's current strategy—simply telling the bullies to "stop"—Dr. Laura introduces a more strategic approach.

Dr. Laura [06:11]: "I'd like you to say, 'I'm sorry, could you repeat that?' Do you know how hard it is to repeat something stupid, something mean? It's very hard to repeat it."

To illustrate the technique's efficacy, Dr. Laura conducts a live demonstration, prompting Gretchen to deliver a mock insult.

Dr. Laura [07:25]: "Gretchen, say something nasty to me."

Gretchen [07:28]: "The only thing you need burns from calories at the gym."

Dr. Laura [07:32]: "I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please?"

Gretchen immediately recognizes the power of this response.

Gretchen [07:47]: "You're right."

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Dr. Laura's Final Advice [07:55 - 08:40]

Dr. Laura emphasizes the importance of consistent application of this technique, assuring Gretchen that it will diminish the bullies' negative behavior over time.

Dr. Laura [07:55]: "Say that again, please. What did you say? Say it again, please. And they won't know what to do with it."

She further advises that adults adopt the same calm and composed response when confronted with rudeness or hostility.

Dr. Laura [08:42]: "Somebody is rude or mean to you, just lean forward with a completely relaxed face and say, 'I'm sorry. Would you repeat that?'"

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Conclusion

Dr. Laura wraps up the episode by reaffirming the effectiveness of the introduced technique both for young listeners like Gretchen and adults alike. She encourages continuous communication and invites listeners to reach out with their own challenges, fostering a community built on ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility.

Dr. Laura [08:39]: "Call me back and let me know, okay?"

Dr. Laura [08:42]: "Somebody is rude or mean to you, just lean forward with a completely relaxed face and say, 'I'm sorry. Would you repeat that?'"

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This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone dealing with bullying, offering practical advice grounded in empathy and psychological insight. Dr. Laura's guidance empowers listeners to navigate challenging social interactions with confidence and composure.

Transcript

[Dr. Laura]

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[Gretchen]

Hi.

[Dr. Laura]

Hello.

[Gretchen]

Hi.

[Dr. Laura]

Hi, sweetheart. How old are you?

[Gretchen]

10.

[Dr. Laura]

And what grade are you in at? 10 years old.

[Gretchen]

Fourth.

[Dr. Laura]

Excellent. How can I help you, Gretchen?

[Gretchen]

Well, sorry, I'm nervous. All my friends are ignoring me and they just like. They act like they don't care about me and they act like I'm not there and I'm invisible and all the boys are just like, they're really mean to me and pick on me.

[Dr. Laura]

First of all, that's not how friends behave. So when you say all my friends are doing this, Friends never do that. That's not how friends are. That's not the definition of a friend. And I don't think all the boys are doing anything. I think you're exaggerating a little bit, which we do when we're upset. I get that. So why don't you name the one or two, maybe three girls and tell me what went wrong with them.

[Gretchen]

Well, Spanish class, we were watching the running of the Bulls and then just some of the boys just looked back at me and they said, gretchen, the bulls are running from you because you're so ugly. And it really hurt my feelings.

[Dr. Laura]

All the boys didn't say that. One jerk said it. What's his first name?

[Gretchen]

Jude.

[Dr. Laura]

Jude. Jude. So tell me about Jude. Is he smart in school? Is he a troublemaker? Is he funny? Tell me about Jude.

[Gretchen]

He's definitely a troublemaker and he's just kind of really rude. He picks on all the girls, but for some reason he especially picks on me.

[Dr. Laura]

Probably that's either one of two things or both. He probably thinks you're the cutest because boys tend to behave like that at that age. When they like a girl, they tend to act in the opposite way. You would imagine. So instead of bringing you flowers, they give you a hard time. That's how they deal with those feelings. Secondly, when he does it to the other girls, what's the difference between how they respond from how you respond? Think back. Listen, I know you're busy. You've got a lot on your plate. We all do. That's why Walmart subscriptions are such a game changer. They make it easy for you to get your groceries and essentials without the hassle of running around. Walmart subscriptions can help you stay stocked on the things you use most like paper towels, avocados, pet food, baby supplies, vitamins, candles, your favorite snacks. You know the essentials you can't live without. Plus, Walmart Fresh groceries are backed by a 100% freshness guarantee. Walmart subscriptions are easy to use. Just choose the date and time for your Go to items to be delivered on repeat right to your door. Of course, life is full of unexpected surprises. So if a last minute meeting or trip to the doctor comes up, simply edit your delivery schedule. Change the frequency of your subscriptions, skip or cancel anytime. Walmart's subscriptions are all about helping make your busy life a bit easier. Stay stocked with Walmart subscriptions. Welcome to your Walmart. Now find Island Inspired Limited Time flavors at Whole Foods Market for the Explore the Tropics sales event. Enjoy pre marinated mains like Mango, Coconut Salmon and Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken and pair them with seasoned Ready to Heat beans from a dozen cousins, Knead Dinner and a snap. Grab Zesty Lime Shrimp salad, Mango Turkey burgers and more from prepared foods. And of course, there's the Mango Yuzu Chantilly Cake. Explore the tropics and save at Whole Foods Market in store and online it's.

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[Gretchen]

Usaa. Well, they, they kind of like, they like then offend him back too. And, and I also like just. I just say stop and then he just.

[Dr. Laura]

Okay, stop doesn't work. Yeah, stop doesn't work. I know. I've seen that in videos they try to teach kids say stop it. That's nonsense and you know it. So what I'd like you to say is, and I know you're going to think this is useless and silly, but you'd be surprised how powerful it is. I'd like you to say, I'm sorry, could you repeat that? Do you know how hard it is to repeat something stupid, Something mean? It's very hard to repeat it, but look curious like you didn't hear it and say, would you repeat that? I'm sorry. Say that again. Could you say that again, please? That's what I want you to do every time that one of the boys says something stupid. Trust me, this is so powerful a tool, you're going to be amazed. And I'll prove it to you. Gretchen, say something nasty to me. Say it her. Go nasty.

[Commercial Announcer]

Come on.

[Gretchen]

The only thing you need burns from calories at the gym.

[Dr. Laura]

I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please? See what I mean? You feel stupid repeating it. That is a very powerful tool.

[Gretchen]

You're right.

[Dr. Laura]

Yes. So call me next week just to prove I'm right. Okay?

[Gretchen]

Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

And do this to anybody who says something mean to you. Go. Would you repeat that? Could you say that again, please? What did you say? Say it again, please. And they won't know what to do with it. But when you try to fight back, oh, your mother wears army boots, or you're stupid and you're ugly, or, you know, it just escalates, it just keeps going. And if you go stop. They don't care about stop. When did a 10 year old boy care about stopping? Come on.

[Gretchen]

Never. Never. Probably never.

[Dr. Laura]

Bouncing off walls. You have a brother. You know this. All right, so call me back in a bit and let me know, okay?

[Gretchen]

Okay. Okay, we'll do.

[Dr. Laura]

Thank you.

[Gretchen]

Will do. Thanks.

[Dr. Laura]

Thanks. You adults should try that too. Somebody is rude or mean to you, just lean forward with a completely relaxed face and say, I'm sorry. Would you repeat that? Could you say that again, please? They won't know what to do with it. A it's an incredible surprise and B what's a nasty comeback to Would you repeat that, please? Would you say that again? There's no comeback. Okay, we're having too much of a good time. Your calls today are marvelous. They cover a broad range of problems and issues and concerns, so keep it coming. I love it. My number 1-800-375-2872. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

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[Gretchen]

USAA.