Bullying
Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. The important thing to remember is that it's not your fault and you're not alone. There are people who can and will help.
This page is intended for younger people who are being bullied and those who want to help them. If you're adult who is experiencing bullying in the workplace you'll also find help here.
Advice for young people
Nearly everyone is bullied at some time in their lives. Sometimes it's by members of our own families, by adults or by other children. It can happen at home, school, online or even by text.
If you are being bullied, you may feel quite alone, so the best thing you can do is tell someone you can trust - a parent, teacher, older friend or relative. Remember - it's not your fault. You don't deserve to be bullied.
Childline bullying line 0800 44 1111
free, 24 hrs
Textphone (general Childline number): 0800 400 222
Mon-Fri, 9.30am-9.30pm and Sat & Sun, 11am-8pm.
Childline provide a free confidential counselling service for young people in trouble or danger. Lines are open 24 hours.
What to do
- Talk to someone you can trust, a teacher, parent, older friend or relative.
- Be persistent. If the first person you talk to ignores you don't give up, speak to someone else.
- If you can, write down everything the bullies have done or have said to you, and try to write down how you feel. When you have found someone you can trust and who is helpful, discuss what you have written with that person. Be very careful to only write down things which really happen.
- If you find it difficult to talk to an adult, ask one of your friends to come with you, or ask someone to talk to an adult on your behalf.
- Most importantly, do something. Sometimes bullying stops quickly but doing nothing means it may continue until someone is seriously upset or hurt. That could be you, or the bullies may find new victims. If their behaviour is not challenged they are unlikely to stop.
What not to do
- Don't try to deal with the problem on your own- there is nothing wrong in asking for help.
- Don't hit the bullies - you might end up being accused of bullying yourself
- Always tell the truth about what has happened. Don't exaggerate. If a small part of what you are saying is shown to be untrue then it throws everything else into doubt.
- Don't believe the lies that the bullies tell about you.
- Don't hide what is happening from the adults you trust. Keeping things secret is the bullies' biggest weapon against you. That is why they go to so much trouble to try to stop you telling.
If an adult is bullying you
Bullying is wrong whatever the age of the person who is bullying you. Adults can bully children in many different ways. If an adult is doing something to you, or trying to make you do something you do not like, but you are not sure if this is bullying, then you must talk to someone.
If this is happening at school you can talk to your parents. If this is happening at home you could talk to a trusted teacher. Do not keep it a secret. The only way to stop bullying is to talk openly about it.
Work together to beat the bully
You do not have to be a victim to act. If you do nothing when you see someone being bullied the bullies may think that you approve of what they are doing. Part of the fun that bullies get comes from the reaction of bystanders. You can help by:
- challenging all bullying behaviour
- befriending younger children
- talking about bullying
- take part in your schools' anti-bullying activities
From The Scottish Government publication Let's Stop Bullying: Advice for Young People Crown Copyright © 1999
More information online
Bullying UK
This is a great site with loads and loads of advice on what to do if you're being bullied. You might find it helpful to read what other children and young people have gone through.
Head room: Cubby House
Easy and understandable for children who are being bullied or feeling stressed. The website is a source of friendship and problem solving, including interesting games.
Kidscape
Kidscape is packed with advice on bullying, but also has tips for making good friends and what to expect when you move up to secondary school.
Mencap
If you have a learning disability and are being bullied check out this site.
Respect Me
Respect Me offer advice and also have stories of young people dealing with bullying.
Information for parents/carers of a bullied child
Bullying UK
Offers practical advice for parents if whose child is being bullied.
Kidscape
Information on how you can help your child and a good section on cyber bullying i.e. bullying on the Internet.
Respect Me
This is an Anti-Bullying Service run by the Scottish Association for Mental Health. It offers useful pointers for parents and gives advice on how to talk to your child about bullying.
Quick links
