Bullying can include:
Being called names or teased.
Hitting, kicking or shoving someone.
Threatening or intimidating someone.
Humiliating someone in front of others.
Spreading rumours about someone.
Stealing someone’s possessions.
Posting horrible or mean comments or images of someone online.
Sending nasty texts or messages online.
It’s important to know that if you are being bullied it is not your fault.
What can you do?
Different strategies work for different situations, but there are still a multitude of things that you can do if you are being bullied.
Try to avoid the bully – There’s no need to bunk off school or hide, but if you can try to avoid being alone in areas where your bully may be.
Take a different route to your classes or to school.
Walk to school with a friend or a family member.
Leave through a different school exit.
Try not to react – If you can, try not to show the bully that their behaviour is affecting you. Reacting to the bully, especially with anger, can cause the situation to get worse.
Tell someone you trust – No matter what anyone says, do not ever be afraid to tell someone else what is going on or ask for help.
Tell a close friend.
Tell a parent or family member.
Tell a trusted teacher.
Keep a diary or a record – Keeping a diary or a record of any incidents or messages can be incredibly useful in supporting what you say. It can also help provide adults with the evidence they need to stop it.
Be cyber-savvy – Remember, it’s important to keep your personal information safe. This can include making your social accounts private, checking your privacy settings and blocking or deleting others.
Nobody deserves to be bullied we are here to support you.