Bullying
Bullying can take many different forms. Some examples are calling someone names, spreading rumours about them, hitting or pushing them, taking their belongings or money or excluding them from a group. Sometimes it’s the same thing done over and over again, but sometimes it’s a lot of small things that build up so that it affects the way you live your life. Some kinds of bullying - like racial, sexual or homophobic abuse – are against the law. Others are unpleasant and unkind. No-one deserves to be bullied, but it could happen to any of us.
It can happen in all sorts of situations such as at school, college, work, among friends and family members. It can also happen via mobile phone, email or on websites. Whatever form it takes, bullying is wrong - and if you’re being bullied, it’s not your fault!
Why do bullies do what they do?
There are lots of reasons why people bully others - it could be because they’re insecure about some part of their own life, they’ve been bullied themselves or they’re angry about something that’s happened. Unfortunately, they can only feel good about themselves by making someone else feel bad. It’s important that they get help for themselves rather that taking their frustrations out on others...
What should I do if I’m being bullied?
If you, or someone you know, is being bullied, you don’t have to put up with it. It probably won’t go away on its own, so get help and support.
You could start by telling family and friends, a teacher or your Connexions Personal Adviser what’s happening, so you don’t feel alone. If talking to a stranger is easier (they won’t know the people involved and you might find it less embarrassing) there are counsellors at ChildLine who’ll be happy to listen to you and give you advice. Please see their contact number below.
You'll start to feel much better once you’ve talked to someone about it - talking is the first step to sorting it out..
I’m concerned I might be turning into a bully
If you’re concerned you might be a bully or you might be turning into one, you should talk to someone you can trust. This could be a family member, a teacher or your Connexions Personal Adviser.
If talking to a stranger is easier, there are counsellors at ChildLine who can help you find ways to sort things out. Please see their contact numbers below.
Helplines / Websites:
www.connexions-direct.com
A good place to start if you’re worried about bullying. There are links to other useful sites and articles including: Bullying at school, Are you a bully?, Dealing with bullies, Mobile phone bullying and Bullying at work. Simply type the word ‘bully’ into the site search facility to see the articles. Phone 080 800 13 2 19 for help with any bullying issues. Calls from a landline are free and they’ll ring you're on a mobile and you ask them to.
www.childline.org.uk
Find information on bullying or call their free helpline on 0800 1111 day or night - about any problem. ChildLine's counsellors are there to help you find ways to sort things out.
www.kidscape.org.uk
Lots of tips and helpful advice on how to deal with bullying. Phone their helpline on 08451 205 204 Monday - Friday from 10am - 4pm.
www.nspcc.org.uk/kidszone
Information and advice about bullying and child abuse and what you can do to help it stop. There is also a section on safe surfing and cyber bullying and a "Beat the bully" game to see how much you know.
