I was bullied pretty incessantly 12 - 16. It wasn't the worst, but it went on a long time. It had two effects on my life. My self confidence and self image were both very low for a long time - for example I was asked about by a girl and my response was just "why would you want anything to do with me". It also made me a bit of a bully myself during and afterwards. I'm glad I was able to think that through and stop it happening. I'm in my 40s now, these kind of thoughts still catch me out.

I've got my own kids now and we homeschool. Which is not really because of my own experience at school but still, friends with kids tell of the antics at school and I'm glad mine aren't involved in either side of those stories.