Bullying

Bullying can take many different forms and can happen in different places.

Childline asked young people how they would describe bullying:

• being called names
• being put down or humiliated
• being teased
• being pushed or pulled about
• having money and other possessions taken or messed about with
• having rumours spread about you
• being ignored and left out
• being hit, kicked or physically hurt
• being threatened or intimidated

So bullying isn’t just physical or verbal. Bullying can make you feel scared and stupid by leaving you out of things, making other people laugh at you, spreading lies about you; this is psychological abuse. Bullying could also involve someone trying to get you to do or say something that you are uncomfortable with and don’t want to do.

Bullying can happen in different places; at school, at home, or online. For more information about e-safety, please visit our e-safety webpage.

Just Like Me?

If this sounds like you then you could be being bullied.

Remember, bullying in any form is wrong and it is NOT YOUR FAULT. Bullies are mean to others to make them feel better, and this is often a sign that they are not happy with themselves.

If you think you are being bullied:

Do

• Tell someone. Your friends, parents and teacher will all be able to support you. You may want to tell a friend so that you feel more confident in telling an adult.
• Stay safe; stick with friends.
• Make choices based on what’s best for you; if your friends are the ones bullying you, then are they your real friends?
• Block or unfriend the person or people if you are being cyberbullied.

Don't

• Retaliate; if someone hits you and you hit them back, you could be the one that ends up in trouble.
• Reply on social media to someone who is bullying you or sending mean messages.
• Stop doing the things you enjoy and have a right to do such as going to school, playing sports and spending time with friends.
• Give in to peer pressure. You don’t have to do, say or be part of something you aren’t comfortable with.

www.youngminds.org.uk