Bullying

Bullying is when someone intimidates someone or forces them to do something. 

Where can bullying happen? 

Bullying can happen in any place and at any time. It could take place: 

  • At school – in the playground, classroom or in the toilets 
  • On the way to and from school 
  • On the bus 
  • Online through social media 

Types of bullying 

Bullying of any nature is wrong. Here are some of the most common types of bullying. 

Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying is saying or writing horrible things. Verbal bullying includes:

  • Teasing
  • Name-calling
  • Inappropriate sexual comments
  • Threatening to cause harm
Social Bullying

Social bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:

  • Leaving someone out on purpose
  • Telling other children not to be friends with someone
  • Spreading rumours about someone
  • Embarrassing someone in public
Physical Bullying

Physical bullying involves hurting someone or their possessions. Physical bullying includes:

  • Hitting/kicking/pinching
  • Spitting
  • Tripping/pushing
  • Taking or breaking someone’s things
  • Making mean or rude hand gestures
Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is any form of bullying which takes place online, through phones and tablets. Cyber Bullying can happen through Social Media sites such as, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and text messaging.

Homophobia

Homophobia is a dislike of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, or people who are thought to be LGBT. LGBT people can sometimes be discriminated against and lead to them being bullied or hurt.

Homophobia can include people:

  • Insulting you or threatening you because of your sexual orientation
  • Saying things like “It’s just a phase you’re going through,” or “How can you know your sexual orientation at your age?”
  • Telling you that being LGBT is a choice and that you can change your sexual orientation
  • Telling you that being LGBT is an illness

It's important to know that your sexuality is only one part of you, it is also important to remember that we should get to know people before judging them based on their sexuality.

Racism

Being bullied because of the way you look, your race, culture or nationality can be tough. It is wrong and illegal. It might make you feel like you should change the way you look, speak or act. You might also feel embarrassed about your background or things people say about you.

Some people might judge you or bully you, but there are also open-minded people who will want to know the real you.
To help feel more involved, you can find hobbies to meet others who share your interests

Things to remember:

  • Bullying could be done by friends, family, people at school or strangers – but it’s never ok
  • It can happen in different places – like at school, home or online
  • There are ways to get it stopped and ways to feel better about yourself

What to do if you are being bullied...

Tell someone that you can trust. Make sure you share your worries with a parent, friend, teacher or a relative. The best way to protect yourself from being bullied is to tell someone so that you can get help. Don’t ignore bullying – it won’t go away on its own and it may get worse. If talking to someone face to face worries you then you can text, email or phone someone. If you don’t feel comfortable telling someone you know, you can call Childline 0800 1111 and they will listen and give you advice.

 For more information about bullying visit the Childline website. There is a link provided below.