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Bullying

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when anyone deliberately tries to hurt you, intimidate you or put you under stress for periods of time.

No one should have to put up with being bullied and there are people who can help you. There are many ways to prevent or stop bullying. If you are being bullied you must tell a parent, a teacher or someone else you trust. Don't be frightened - please tell someone.

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More on Bullying...

Many people get bullied at some point in their life, and it can happen almost anywhere - at home, school or even at work. It may make you feel scared, vulnerable and very alone, and in some cases even suicidal. Some examples of bullying include:

Being called names
Being ignored or left out
Being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched or kicked
Having your belongings damaged
Your money being stolen
Having malicious rumours spread about you
Being attacked or teased because of your religion, gender,
sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic / racial origin
Being sent threatening or abusive text messages or e-mails
Being forced to do things you don’t want to do

Who gets bullied?

Anyone can be bullied. Some people are victimised because they are different, but many are bullied for no obvious reason. Bullies will look for differences or certain characteristics in people and use these to intimidate and harass them. There is never an acceptable excuse for bullying and it is important to remember that it is not the fault of the person being bullied - the problem lies with the bully.

What Can I Do if I’m Being Bullied?

If you are being bullied or harassed you may feel like just ignoring it and hoping it will go away. However, if dealing with bullying was as simple as just ignoring it, then nobody would ever get bullied! If you are being bullied, here are some things that you can do:-

• First of all, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about being bullied. No one deserves it and it is not your fault. But, it is very important that you get help.

• Talk to someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with. This could be a parent, a teacher, a Personal Adviser, a friend, or just someone you trust. If you can’t think of anyone there are places that can help you. These are listed at the bottom of this page.

• If you can, try to keep a diary of what has been happening. Record as many details as you can of the bullying incidents (try not to exaggerate), and how it made you feel. When you decide to tell someone, a written record of the bullying makes it easier to prove what has been going on.

• If you are being bullied at school, ask a teacher to tell you about the school’s guidelines on bullying. Most schools have policies on bullying and this may give you an idea of what you can do and how your school can help you.

• Try to keep safe. Avoid being alone in places where you know the bully is likely to pick on you. This may mean changing your route to school or making sure you are with other people. This may not seem fair to you, but it will make it more difficult for the bully to pick on you if you are in a crowd.

Let's STOP Bullying!

If you see or know of someone who is being bullied, don’t ignore it.

You could let the person know what you have seen and offer to help them report what has been happening to a trusted adult. The most important thing is to be there if the person being bullied needs a friend to talk to. If you are worried about getting yourself into trouble, you could approach an adult or teacher yourself in confidence, or write them a note to let them know what you have seen. People need to be informed about what is going on to be able to do something about it.

If you know that bullying is a problem in your school, ask your teachers if you can organise a campaign to raise awareness and stop bullying. You could design posters to put up around the school or even organise a drama presentation about bullying and the effects it has on its victims.

It is important to be aware of how certain actions and attitudes can have a distressing effect on others. All young people should be careful that their actions do not upset others, and should make attempts to include those who may normally be left out.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

CHILDLINE provides useful information on bullying and what to do about it.
Visit www.childline.org.uk or FREEPHONE 0800 1111.

The NSPCC is the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and is the UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. We have been directly involved in protecting children and campaigning on their behalf since 1884. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000.

Bullying Online: This is a very helpful and informative website for children, parents and teachers. Visit www.bullying.co.uk.

KidScape: The only national charity helping to prevent bullying and child abuse. Visit www.kidscape.org.uk or telephone local rate: 08451 205 204.

Anti Bullying Network: www.antibullying.net.

The Samaritans Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You don't have to be suicidal to call us. We are here for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone call the number above or visit the Samaritans website at www.samaritans.org.

Barnardo's helps the most vulnerable children and young people transform their lives and fulfil their potential. Their website will tell you more about what they do. Visit Barnardos at www.barnardos.org.uk.

The Children's Society work with and for children to help them deal with life's harshest challenges and face the future with confidence. The Children's Society help young people who suffer from violence, abuse or neglect. For more information visit their website at www.childrenssociety.org.uk.

Refuge can help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Refuge operate a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge. Visit www.refuge.org.uk.

Connexions Direct: Call any time 8am - 2am, we are open every day. Call FREE 080 800 13 2 19 or visit www.Connexions-Direct.com.

Streetwise are a great local source of help. Streetwise work in partnership with other agencies to offer information, advice, support and counselling services to young people aged 13 to 25. For help and advice call Streetwise on 0191 230 5400 or visit their website at www.streetwisenorth.co.uk.

The Hideout provides help, information and support for children and young people – whether you’re currently living with violence, you’ve experienced violence in the past or if you know someone else going through it and you’re looking for help and information this site is for you. Visit www.thehideout.org.uk for more information.

Jonny Longlife provides information and advice about a healthier lifestyle. Whether you want advice on substance abuse, sex education, fitness facilities or bullying, this website can help or point you in the right direction. Visit the Jonny Longlife website at www.jonnylonglife.com.

Need 2 Know offers detailed balanced information for 13 to 19 year olds and the lifestyle issues they face such as Health, Money, Time Out, Travel, Relationships, Learning, Work, Law, Housing, Environment. www.need2know.co.uk.