Bullying

Bullying can take many forms. It can be physical - punching, kicking, tripping someone up etc. It can also be psychological - name calling, taking peoples things, making nasty comments, spreading rumours, ignoring someone or not letting someone join in.

Whatever form it takes, if you are being bullied it can affect your emotional health. It makes you scared and upset. It can interfere with your schoolwork and make you not want to go to school. Being bullied may mean you develop a low opinion of yourself and lead to a lack of confidence. Bullies can make you feel that it is your fault. If you are being bullied, you may feel scared, vulnerable and quite alone but you owe it to yourself to try and sort out the situation so that the the bullying stops. Remember, no-one deserves to be bullied.

People can bully for all sorts of reasons. Some might bully others because they enjoy the sense of power. They may have the support of their friends and they want to show off. Some bullies may be bullied themselves, by other people or in their families. They may feel troubled and pressured by school or family life and deal with their fears by bullying others. If they don't like themselves they may take it

Adults can bully children too- mums and dads, other family members, teachers etc. They may make fun of you in front of others and make you feel bad, tease you or shout at you. This can be difficult to deal with, especially if the adult is the person you would normally go to about being bullied. If this happens try to find an adult you do trust to talk to - perhaps a teacher, an aunt or uncle.

What can be done about bullying?

Your school should have a clear, well publicised anti-bullying policy. If you want to know more about this in your school ask a teacher or learning mentor for more information.

If you are being bullied you can do something about it:

	TELL someone what is happened - perhaps your mum or dad, older sister or brother, another family member, a teacher or learning mentor. If they can't help, don't give up - speak to someone else.
	TALK OVER what to do with this person and let them help you.
	If you find it difficult to talk to an adult, ask a friend to come with you or ask them to talk to an adult for you.
	You could telephone a helpline, for example Childline (Freephone 0800 111)
	Keep a note or diary of what is happening
	Ask your parents to visit the school
	Teachers have to listen to you if you tell them about bullying.
	REMEMBER - Don't give up. It's alright to tell an adult that you are being bullied and to ask for help. Talk with them about what you would like to happen - they don't have to take over.

If you are a bully, you can ask for help too -talk to someone you trust.

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 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.

My friend is being bullied.

You may not be being bullied yourself, but you may know someone who is. They may not be a close friend - you may have noticed a classmate is being bullied. It is easy to stand back because you don't know what you can do to help. People who watch bullying but do nothing help the bullies by providing them with an audience. Don't ignore bullying - you can do something.

	Tell a teacher or other adult what is happening.
	Don't try and take on the bullies yourself.
	Try to be a friend to the person being bullied - talk to them if they want to.
	Refuse to join in the bullying.
	Sometimes you won't be able to sort it out yourself- ask an adult for help.

More help and information:

Childline is a free telephone helpline for children and young people. It is free and confidential, so no-one else will know about the conversation unless you decide to tell them.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Childline also has a website www.childline.org.uk

The following websites contain further information and advice about bullying.

Bullying