I guess I can relate to some degree. I never really got picked on, but just before I went into high school, there was an advanced placement class that I went to during the summer, at the same time as summer school. During breaks, there really wasn't anything to do so everyone kind of hung out in the weight room area. There was this big guy named Mike who was on the football team (kind of explains his being in summer school) and he and his football buddies liked to go around and beat up on people. Eventually, it was my turn and he took a shot at me in the weight room where there wasn't any room to fight and his longer reach meant he could keep hitting me without any chance that I could hit back. I backed out of the room and as soon as I had a chance, I put him on the floor. I guess it helped that I was into martial arts at the time. I didn't hurt him, although I could have, it was just a "you are going to stop doing that right now or else" kind of thing. Unfortunately, one of the teachers saw me do it and sent us both out to run laps and while we were out there, we talked and got to be really good friends. In fact, I ended up tutoring the guy in math to keep him on the football team. He was never a dick to me again because I put him in his place and he knew I could do it again.
That whole incident today would end up with someone breaking down in tears, whining on Facebook and probably require counseling. Kids today are wimps.