Q&A with Lizzie Vishnevsky

Author, Anti-Bullying Activist

Bullying that Vishnevsky suffered during her schooling inspired her to write The Power To Be, a book about coping with school violence. She lives in New Jersey and is working on a book about the dynamics of violence.

In school, you were bullied to the point where you ate your lunch in the bathroom. How do you view that period now?

I look back and see a traumatized, depressed, awkward student who had not yet come into her own. As much as I contemplated revenge inside, I did not want to hurt anyone. I just wanted my fellow students to acknowledge me as a person.

How should students react to bullies?
Stand your ground. Say in a loud voice, “Leave me alone! Who do you think you are, bothering me?!” Make eye contact. Never resort to violence. If a particular bully singles you out, walk to class with friends.

What can we do about student violence?
Hold bullies accountable. Organize an apology session. Try to reach out to the [bully], giving him a chance to communicate what is distressing him. Don’t laugh at or encourage bullies.

Who helped you survive that time in your life?
As much as I was hurting, I always held onto faith that things would get better someday. Unfortunately, the lack of intervention by anyone plunged me deeper and deeper into depression and suicidal behaviors. The more I talked about the pain of my experiences, the more I healed inside. We are stronger than we give ourselves credit.