Alex's Answer
Everyone is calling me a slut at school
Your Question
Hey Alex, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I am always over sexualising myself when I am at school and everyone calls me a slut. I am not even 17 but l have had sex and I feel like that’s what everyone wants from me and I am in a really bad place, I feel alone but when someone pays attention and says something nice it’s what keeps me alive.
Answer
Hi there,
Welcome to Ask Alex, thanks so much for getting in touch with what is going on for you. We know it can be a really hard thing to do but you have been so brave for reaching out. It sounds like you are going through a hard time in school, in particular with your peers and how you feel within the school environment. Firstly, we think it is important that you know, from what you have told us, there is nothing wrong with you.
As you have said that you are not 17 yet and you have had sex, it sounds like you are aware that the legal age in Ireland to consent to sex is 17. This means that having sex under the age of 17 is illegal. This relates to informed consent and being aware of what you are doing and the risks of having sex when you are younger. It is important that you know it is completely normal to be curious about sex and to want to try and understand it. There is also no shame in wanting to have sex too. We wonder what you mean by how you feel you are over sexualising yourself?
It is also normal to want attention from others, whether in a sexual attraction way or more as friends. Attention makes us feel good and as human beings we are all social creatures, constantly seeking connection from others. It is important that you know that no one has the right to give you negative attention that impacts your sense and feelings of worth. Name calling, such as calling some one a slut, is a form of bullying and should not be tolerated anywhere. Do you have a trusted adult or peer you could speak to about this- Some one who can help you in reporting this bullying? Reporting bullying can be daunting and even if you aren’t ready to do this just yet it may help to just have someone to talk to about it.
You are not along and Childline is always here for you to reach out to. Chat with us through our webchat service, by clicking on the purple Messenger circle at www.childline.ie. Or our free phone service is 1800 66 66 66.
We hope you have found this helpful.
Take Care,
Alex.