Hive account@what-is-life, excellent post. Bringing awareness to a serious issue. Your post is well written and articulate, especially with the statistics and personal experience. You should write often, and this is a great place for it.
On a personal note, being forced to physically hurt someone else in order to get out of a situation is NOT YOUR FAULT. You were forced into something. You needed to do what you had to to get out. Do not feel guilty about that. However, apologizing was a GOOD THING! :)
I have a 14 year old and I too was bullied, so I can relate.
I was kicked and pushed and had a very malicious rumor spread about me in 7th grade. It took until 9th grade for people not to believe this rumor about me anymore. So yes, bullying IS horrible.
However, you're in a very difficult time in life and THIS WILL END. Think about it: when you are out of high school, you will be going to a different school or environment, away from all of these people, around adults who do not act like this. You will have a fresh start. So PLEASE, PLEASE remember that this is only temporary.
You have got to get yourself connected with folks who can relate and help you during this time. Don't get bitter about this either. These stupid kids are literally that.....stupid. They see a weakness in you and are exploiting it. As hard as it may be, try to let them NOT see that it bothers you. Make jokes at YOUR expense. Not horrible ones, just be lighthearted. Let them think that you can take a joke and that bullying you won't affect you. They WANT to make it affect you.
Either way, I applaud your post and YOU!
I would highly recommend sharing your photo instead of a clip art or meme. Folks want to relate and personalize your experience by seeing what you look like.
Best of luck to you. :)

Tari

(upvoted, resteemed, and following you)