Bullying

Bullying, is unwanted, aggressive behaviour, that involves a real, or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as: making threats, spreading rumours, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Bullying can also occur online, known as ‘cyber bullying’.

It’s unrealistic to expect your peers to be nice to you all the time, but if they’re regularly saying, and doing things to hurt, or control you, that can become a form of bullying. Bullying can happen at any time in your life, no matter what your age. You might be able to cope with small amounts of bullying. Support from friends can really help. But if things get serious, your normal life, and mental health, can really suffer.

What Might Help?:

Record when it happens. You have the right to live without being tormented. Keep a diary of what happens. It should also stop you missing out anything important, and help show you’re telling the truth.
Talk to someone. If it’s at school, any of your teachers should be able to help, (your school should have an anti-bullying policy). If you can’t tell your teachers, ask a parent, or another adult, to speak to them for you.
Seek professional help. If experiences of bullying are having a major impact on how you are feeling, it might be helpful to speak with your GP about additional support, including counselling.

Helpful Clips and Stories:

Top Apps:

ReThink app

Extra Info:

Wide range of advice and support about bullying (Helpline 0808 800 2222)
Ideas for online safety tips
Advice and information on bullying
BBC Parent Toolkit - Bullying and reaching out for support
Advice on cyberbullying
Childline provides online, confidential support and telephone support (0800 1111)
Parent Anti-Bullying Helpline: 08451 205 204