32 Surprising Stories About The “Weird Kid At School” That May Make Your Day

Sometimes, it feels like no matter what a kid does, they’ll be told they’re weird just for not fitting into the norm. Research has found that people who are anxious or socially awkward often get told this, maybe because most folks don’t know how to connect with them. Sometimes, even having a unique look, an odd sense of humor, or a quirk can get you that label.

To get a self-proclaimed “weird” kid’s perspective, Bored Panda reached out to YouTuber Angelika Devara to hear about her experience. She told us that she doesn’t “believe there is necessarily a clear-cut definition of what a ‘weird’ kid vs. a ‘normal’ kid is as every kid has their quirks.” 

“My childhood was heavily influenced by YouTube, and I easily fit into the ‘edgy’ internet kid persona. Having a plethora of free time and the entire World Wide Web at my disposal, I navigated interests of mine through endless rabbit holes.”

“Since most kids my age didn’t have lenient parents when it came to social media, finding another kid with the same level of online knowledge as me was like finding a needle in a haystack. Therefore, I declared myself the ‘weird kid,’ and I took pride in the title. Little me, unfortunately, liked the idea of being different than the other girls,” she explained.

The word weird is often treated like a taboo, and anyone given that title is generally seen as an outcast. It also becomes tough to break free from that label, and that’s why many children feel like they need to change or conform just to fit in.

To understand how to deal with such situations in schools, we reached out to Dr. Jessica Koehler, an associate faculty member at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She has a Ph.D. in School Psychology and shares practical knowledge to help empower people to improve their well-being, enhance their relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.

She said: “First, reframing the label ‘weird’ in a more positive light is crucial. Often, children who stand out due to their quirks or eccentricities are the ones with the most creative, innovative, and outside-the-box thinking. These kids are often the future problem-solvers and innovators, as their uniqueness can allow them to see the world in ways others cannot.”

“What may seem strange to others today could be the very qualities that drive success and innovation in the future. For the children who feel labeled, my advice is to embrace what makes them different. Rather than seeing these traits as something to hide, they should understand that their individuality is a strength,” she explained.

Many kids who don’t fit in are often subjected to bullying or made fun of for things they can’t control or change. Dr. Jessica Koehler also told us that kids who are different “face rejection or exclusion from peers, which can foster feelings of isolation. However, these experiences often help them build resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence—qualities that are essential for success in adulthood.”

“Why other children may shy away from befriending ‘weird’ kids often boils down to a fear of the unknown or a desire to conform. School social dynamics can be tricky, and many children prefer to stick with what feels familiar. However, it’s important to teach all children that diversity in personalities and interests enriches our lives, fostering empathy and understanding,” she shared.

Nobody wants to be considered the weird kid at school, because it can really impact a child’s self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. That’s why we asked Angelika if she had any advice for kids who feel like they are misfits.

She said: “At the end of the day, everyone is weird. Everyone has their idiosyncrasies, and that is what makes each individual who they are. Being weird is your superpower. So do not walk around with the title engraved on your forehead, using it as a weapon to victimize yourself and harbor hatred towards the people you might consider ‘basic.’ Instead, be the person who makes it look cool.”

“Embrace your niche interests because they are your interests for a reason! Even if you look back and cringe, at least you can live on knowing that you were happy during that phase. Or, even better, if you never grew out of that phase, own it!”

Apart from kids owning up to their quirks and embracing their identity, it’s also important for parents and teachers to help create a safe space for growing children. Dr. Jessica said that “the key for parents and educators is to provide guidance and support while encouraging individuality. It’s important to listen to children's interests, nurture their curiosity, and provide them with the tools they need to explore their passions.”

She told us that “ultimately, celebrating the ‘weird’ in kids is about creating spaces where they can fully express themselves and grow into the best versions of themselves. By helping them understand that their quirks are strengths, we empower them to face life's challenges with confidence and creativity.”

Most of these stories really show the power of being the “weird” kid and how their creativity, originality, and funkiness played a role in making them so memorable. I hope you also never feel anxious about standing out from the crowd and really embrace who you are and the things that make you unique.

In the spirit of embracing one’s weirdness, we’d love to hear if you ever did any crazy, shocking, or memorable things like the folks in these stories.