Being bullied causes hurt and distress and knowing what to do to make it stop and who to turn to for help can be stressful and confusing. This information will help you to answer any questions you may have and to give you advice on who to speak to if you or someone you know is being bullied.
If you want to speak to someone now, phone Childline's Bullying Line: 0800 1111 or visit: Childline.org.
No-one has the right to bully you. If you speak out about it, there are people who care. They will listen to you and help you.
These are some ways children and young people have described bullying:
- Being called names.
- 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 in any way.
- Being threatened or intimidated
What should you do if you are being bullied?
Bullying can make people feel worthless or lacking in confidence. You may believe the nasty things that people say about you, or feel you deserve the bullying.
You do not! Nobody deserves to be bullied.
Bullying can happen to anyone. All of us, no matter how brave or how old, can feel hurt by the way people treat us.
If you are being bullied, you might think that if you tell, it will get worse or that other people will not like you. You might think that no one will believe you. If you are being bullied by email or text, you might think that if you tell someone you will not be allowed to go online or use your phone any more.
We know that all of these things can make it hard for people to tell someone they are being bullied. Understandably you may be feeling hurt and upset but try to focus on the positive things in your life, such as the things you are good at. Do not let the person bullying you take this away from you.