Bullying

Bullying 

What is bullying?

If somebody physically hurts you, or verbally abuses you, that’s bullying. Specific types of bullying include:
•Homophobic bullying based on your sexual orientation
•Racist bullying because of your skin colour
•Religious bullying because of your beliefs or faith.
•Sizeist bullying referring to your body size
•Sexist bullying focusing on you being of the opposite sex
•Cyber bullying targeting you online, often anonymously
Bullying can be a one-off or it can go on for a long time. And bullying can happen to anyone.

Where can I get help?

•If the bullying is happening at school – talk to your parents or carers and your teacher. Your teacher may have no idea that you are being bullied, and the school will have an anti-bullying policy to tackle it.
•If the bullying is happening outside school – talk to your parents or carers, close relatives such as grandparents, aunties and uncles, even your friends’ parents. Youth workers and leaders may be able to help too.
•If the bullying is happening online – tell a trusted adult – your parents or carers, or a teacher. You can report abusive posts on Facebook and other social media platforms. You can also report abuse to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre). 

How can bullying affect me?

Bullying can make you feel isolated and worthless, lonely, anxious, angry and lacking confidence. You may experience some or all of these feelings. Some people who are being bullied develop depression, anxiety and eating problems. They may self harm or turn to drugs and alcohol. If you are experiencing problems like these because of bullying, it’s having an impact on your health. You need to talk to your GP, who will keep any information confidential.Bullying in any form is hurtful and unacceptable and can make your life miserable.

Someone I know is being bullied

if someone you know is being bullied you should follow the same steps as you would if it was yourself getting bullied.
•If the bullying is happening at school – talk to your parents or carers and your teacher.
•If the bullying is happening outside school – talk to your parents or carers, close relatives such as grandparents, aunties and uncles, even your friends’ parents
•If the bullying is happening online – tell a trusted adult – your parents or carers, or a teacher

Advice and Signposting

Who Can Help Me? 

Childline:
if you are being bullied or know someone that is then you can find information about different types of bullying, plus get help and support here.
or 
Call us free on 0800 1111
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