How to stop it
If you are being bullied
- DON'T: Show the bullies that their remarks upset you.
Bullies want a reaction from you - don't give them the satisfaction. - DO: Look as confident as you can.
Even if your legs feel like jelly and your heart is pounding, look the bully straight in the eye and tell them to stop. - DON'T: Be tempted to hit the bullies back.
You could get hurt, or even end up being accused of being a bully yourself. - DO: Write down all the things that the bully has said or done.
- DON'T: Blame yourself.
It's the bullies who need to change - not you. - DON'T: Keep the bullying secret.
Bullying is not something you have to face on your own. - DO: TALK TO AN ADULT THAT YOU CAN TRUST.
a parent, teacher, older brother/sister, grandparent, other relative, or older friend. If they don't take you seriously, speak to somebody else until somebody listens to you. - DO: Give them all the details.
Tell them who the bully is/bullies are, everything that has happened, how often it has happened, whether anybody saw it happen, and if so, who. - DO: Tell the truth.
Don't make anything up, or embellish or exaggerate bits. - DO: Discuss what you want to do about the problem.
If the adult suggests something that you think will make the situation worse, say so. Don't let them take over - talk together about what to do about it.
If you are under the age of 18, and don't feel that there is anybody you can talk to, phone Childline on 0800 11 11. If the bullying has got so bad that you don't know how to go on, the Samaritans can help - ring them on 08457 90 90 90.
If somebody else is being bullied
- DON'T: Take part in the bullying.
- DON'T: Try to take the bullies on.
You could get hurt or get into trouble. - DON'T: Ignore the bullying.
- DO: Listen if somebody tells you they are being bullied.
Be there for them, and be supportive. - DO: Encourage them to tell an adult what has been happening.
Offer to go with them to talk to a teacher or another adult. If they don't want to talk to an adult about what has been happening, offer to do it on their behalf.
Adults can be bullies too
Unfortunately, some adults can be bullies too (including some parents or other family members, or teachers). If you are being bullied by an adult (perhaps they shout at you, tease you, ridicule you, intimidate or frighten you, or try to make you do things that you don't want to do) talk to an adult that you trust and tell them what is happening.
Other websites that contain information and advice about bullying: www.bullying.co.uk, www.childline.org.uk
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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