Bullies prey on you because of the opportunity and low cost. So do everything you can to make it cost them, even if it costs you. I learned that lesson in kind

Bullies prey on you because of the opportunity and low cost. So do everything you can to make it cost them, even if it costs you. I learned that lesson in kindergarten and almost got kicked out of school over my retribution. But I stuck to my guns, and nobody messed with me until I changed schools some years later when we moved to a new town (and the process repeated). Did I suffer? Oh, yes. But they move on after you make it too painful for them. You need to develop a greater pain tolerance than they have, or just fight sneaky and dirty - whatever it takes. And you need the balls to stand up to teachers who tell you to turn the other cheek or "make friends" with them or some other such BS. Only violence stops bullying.