Hamza was a 13-year-old seventh grader. He was a shy kid who didn’t talk much. As a result, he was often bullied by other kids, mostly his seniors. As time passed, Hamza made a group of close friends who stood by his side. They helped him feel safe and protected.

One day, Hamza’s father came home and broke the news that he was transferred to another city for work. The whole family had to pack up and move. Hamza felt very sad. He had to leave behind his friends, his old school and everything he was used to. After a week of settling into their new home, it was time for Hamza to start at a new school.

He was very nervous. He remembered the bullying he had faced before, and now, without his old friends for support, he felt even more scared.

So Hamza went to his new school nervously, but to his surprise, his classmates and class teacher welcomed him warmly. This made him feel a little better. He was seated next to a boy named Farhan, who was quiet, but friendly. Farhan helped Hamza catch up on all the lessons he had missed and explained things clearly. Soon, they became close friends.

Hamza now enjoyed going to the school. But just when things were getting better, something unpleasant happened. Azhar, a boy from another section walked up to Hamza one day and made fun of his appearance for no reason.

Hamza felt hurt. Although he had faced bullying before, he had hoped it wouldn’t happen again, especially in a new school. He was scared so he told everything to Farhan. Farhan felt bad for his friend, but didn’t know what to do. He had never been bullied and wasn’t used to such problems.

Azhar kept on bullying Hamza. It felt like a nightmare to Hamza, he didn’t like to go to school. Soon Farhan realised that bullying was taking toll on Hamza’s overall performance. So one day he encouraged Hamza to talk to a teacher or someone in the school management, but Hamza was so scared that he refused.

Once while Azhar and his friends were making fun of Hamza again, Farhan decided to speak up. He stood in front of them and told them to stop. At first, Azhar was surprised, but then he got angry and hit Farhan. Seeing his friend getting beaten up while trying to help him, Hamza couldn’t take it anymore. He gathered his courage and slapped Azhar hard.

Everyone around was shocked. No one expected Hamza, the quiet boy, to fight back. The bullies were also shocked and they walked away for the moment, then Hamza helped Farhan get up.

But Hamza had made up his mind — he wouldn’t be bullied anymore. He talked to Farhan and some of their classmates and they decided to inform the teachers and the school principal.

The next day, the bullies came again, this time angrier than ever. When they tried to harass Hamza again, one of the school staff caught bullies in the act and took them to the principal’s office. After listening to everything, the school decided to suspend all the bullies for a month.

The teachers praised Hamza and Farhan for standing up against bullying, and their classmates who supported them.

From that day on, no one dared to bully anyone in the school. And Hamza’s courage inspired many other students to speak up for themselves and their friends. Hamza felt proud that he had stood up not only for his friend but also for himself.

That incident changed Hamza’s life. He gained confidence and started enjoying school like never before. He realised that staying silent only makes things worse and that standing up — especially with the support of good friends — can make a big difference. He continued his studies happily, knowing he no longer had to live in fear.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 21st, 2025