Samay Raina opens up about being bullied for his skin colour as a kid: ‘I was the most different guy in the school’

Bullying can lead to emotional distress, resulting in anxiety, stress, loneliness, frustration, overthinking, and depression, said Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road. “Being bullied for your skin colour, be it fair or dark, can make children feel inferior. This can make them feel insecure, self-conscious, and sometimes even ashamed about their physical appearance. Slowly, bullying can start to overpower their emotions, leading to diffidence, withdrawal, and even academic decline,” said Dr Anand.

Stop bullying (Photo: Freepik)

They may avoid stepping outdoors or attending social events for fear of being judged or bullied by others for their skin colour.

“Over time, they may feel uncomfortable in their skin and start to believe that they are not good enough to be loved or praised. It is important to understand that no skin colour is inferior or superior. Every skin colour is beautiful, and no one should feel guilty or bad about their appearance. Remember that what may seem like a joke to you can be deeply hurtful to others. Be it children or adults, it is advisable to speak about bullying to loved ones,” said Dr Anand.

What can help?

*Surrounding yourself with supportive and kind people who believe in cheering and uplifting you can be helpful.

*Parents and schools should ensure that their children are taught to be more kind and sensitive and never judge others based on their skin colour. “Parents can teach tolerance and empathy to their children by showcasing it in their behaviour towards others,” said Dr Anand.