part 4 Someone can dress differently, identify differently, communicate differently, struggle with addiction, be in recovery, or be going through something you don't understand and still deserve to be treated with dignity Bullying isn't “just a joke.” Bullying can be spreading rumors, making fun of someone's appearance, intentionally excluding someone, threatening them, sending hateful messages, embarrassing them in front of others, posting cruel comments, constantly insulting them, or making someone feel like they aren't welcome And saying “I was joking” doesn't automatically make it okay. You never know what someone is going through when they go home You don't know what they've experienced you don't know what they're struggling with You don't know how insecure they already feel You don't know what other people have said to them You don't know how much they've already been dealing with That comment you forgot five minutes later could be something they remember for years signed star