bullying
Bullying can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone and there is support available.
BULLYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bullying is when someone keeps trying to hurt or make fun of you. It is deliberately hurtful behaviour and usually something that is repeated over time.
Bullying can be physical, or verbal, or through social media and mobile phones. If you are being bullied the most important thing is to tell an adult you trust about it.
Kidscape is a charity that aims to stop bullying. Here is some of the advice they give.
HOW TO COPE WITH BULLYING
TALK TO A FRIEND
Tell a friend what is happening. Ask him or her to help you. It will be harder for the bully to pick on you if you have a friend with you for support.
WALK AWAY
Try to ignore the bullying or say ‘no’ really firmly, then turn and walk away. Remember, it’s very hard for the bully to go on bullying someone who won’t stand still and take it.
TRY TO KEEP CALM
Try not to show you’re upset or angry. Bullies love to get a reaction. If you can keep calm and hide your emotions, they might get bored and leave you alone.
DON'T FIGHT BACK
Don’t fight back, if you can help it. If you fight back, you could make the situation worse, get hurt or be blamed for starting the trouble.
remember what's important
If you feel threatened, give the bullies what they want. Property can be replaced – you can’t.
stay safe
Try and avoid being alone in the places where you know the bully is likely to pick on you. This might mean changing your route to school, or only using the lavatories when other people are there. It’s not fair that you have to do this but it might put the bully off.
If you need someone to talk to
You can call, visit or message us and we'll reply.
walk tall
Practise ‘walking tall’ in a mirror. If you look positive and confident, the bully will find it harder to identify you as a target.
use the fog bank
A good technique for dealing with taunts and insults is to use something called ‘fogging’. When other people make hurtful remarks, don’t argue and try not to become upset. Imagine that you are inside a huge, white fog-bank - the insults are swallowed up by the fog long before they reach you. Nothing touches you.
KEEP YOUR REPLIES SHORT
Reply to taunts with something short and bland; ‘that’s what you think'. Then walk away. This might seem strange at first but it does work.
KEEP A DIARY
Write down details of the incidents and your feelings. When you do decide to tell someone, a written record of the bullying makes it easier to prove what has been going on.
FIND A CONNECTION
If you are being bullied by a gang, get the weakest member alone and ask why they are bullying you and how they would like being treated as badly as you are.
DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE
Tell your parents or other adults – you need their help.
Organisations that can help you with bullying worries
Kidscape is a charity that offers advice around bullying. You can call them on 020 7730 3300.
If you are under 19, you can call Childline to talk on 0800 1111 or chat to one of its counsellors online.
The NSPCC has lots of advice and information on its website.
Cambridgeshire County Council has information about bullying at school, how you can be protected and what you can do.
HOW CAN I AVOID ONLINE BULLYING?
BE WARY ABOUT SHARING DETAILS
Be careful who you give your mobile number, email address or social media handle to.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Honour a loved one by setting up an online tribute page where friends and family can donate, share memories, and celebrate their life.
You can set up a tribute page on JustGiving.
CHECK YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS
If you are on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok or X, make sure you understand and use all of the privacy and security settings.
WELLBEING TOOLKIT
Our Wellbeing Toolkit is packed with helpful advice, videos and resources designed to support you with your mental health and wellbeing. Covering a range topics, from managing stress and anxiety to building confidence and coping with change, our toolkit offers practical tips and guidance to help you take care of yourself.
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