It is important that you feel safe from bullying both within and outside of school. Every child has the right not to be bullied - it's never acceptable.
So, what is bullying behaviour?
- Being called names, teased, put down or threatened
- Being hit, tripped or kicked
- Having your belongings stolen or damaged
- Being ignored, left out or having rumours and gossip spread about you
- Receiving nasty text messages or emails
- Being bullied because of who you are, for example because of your religion, sexuality, disability, race, gender or appearance
- Being bullied because of who people think you are
How might it make me feel?
Bullying can make you act and feel differently.
- You are easily upset, crying for no reason or feel angry
- You don't want to go out and play with friends
- You are finding it hard to concentrate on your school work
- You are changing the route that you take to school
- You feel vulnerable and lonely
No-one deserves to feel like this, no-one deserves to be bullied.
So, what should I do?
- Understandably you may be feeling sad but try to focus on the positive things in your life, such as the things you're good at, and remember that you haven't done anything to be treated in this way - don't let the person bullying you take this away from you.
- Keep yourself safe. Hitting or shouting back may seem like a good idea at the time but you may end up getting hurt or find yourself in trouble as a result.
- Talk to someone that you trust. You haven't done anything wrong; the bullying is not your fault and you shouldn't feel embarrassed to speak to someone about it. That might be a teacher, parent or other relative or someone at your local youth club. If you can't think of someone to speak to, contact the Bullying Line who have people available to listen and help you.
- You might be scared that telling an adult will just make things worse - but not telling can make things worse. If you are worried that the adult you speak to may over-react, tell them this and share the concerns you have. They will only want to do what is best for you, so let them know how you feel.
- Tell the adult exactly what has happened. So you can remember all of the details it may help you to keep a diary of what happened? who was there? Where did it happen?
- Find out what your school has in place. There may be a bullying box that you can use to share your fears or suggestions, a student council that you can ask about addressing the problem of bulling or school buddies you can talk to for support and advice.
- Keep any nasty e-mails, texts, voicemails or anything else you receive so that you can show it to the person you are talking to.
Remember:
- Every child has the right not to be bullied - it's never acceptable.
- No-one deserves to feel like this, no-one deserves to be bullied.
- Talk to someone that you trust. You have done nothing wrong.
- Don't bottle things up inside - it hurts!
- You have the right to be you!
- If the grown-ups aren't helping, don't give up!
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