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Being Bullied

What is Bullying?

Bullying can be done in lots of different ways, from someone annoying you on purpose, to being put down or intimidated by others. Bullying also includes leaving people out or isolating them on purpose, and in some serious instances, stalking and harassment. Bullying can happen face-to-face or online. A survey by Respect Me revealed that 92% of young people bullied online knew the person bullying them (Respect Me, 2014). Due to the 24/7 nature of the internet, it can happen anywhere, anytime. This makes it hard for someone to escape from when they are being bullied online.

People who bully others often have other issues going on for them, they might feel unhappy, be struggling to fit in or sometimes they are jealous of the person they are bullying. That being said, bullying is very distressing for the person experiencing it and can impact on their own health and well-being in a negative way. 

Access the National Bullying Helpline

The most common bullying behaviour experienced face to face includes name calling, rumours and hurtful comments, this is the same for online bullying. Some common types of online bullying include:

  • Sending hurtful messages.
  • Tagging someone in an embarrassing photo.
  • Deliberately leaving someone out of an online group
  • Outing someone (revealing sensitive or personal information about them, without their consent).

People who bully others often also have other issues going on for them, they might feel unhappy, be struggling to fit in or sometimes they are jealous of the person they are bullying.

Below are some helpful coping strategies:

  • Stay calm and confident in the moment that the bullying occurs and try not to react/fight back.
  • Practice what you might say the next time the bullying occurs.
  • Talk to a trusted adult such as a teacher, family member or youth worker. You might be worried that telling someone might make things worse but there are people who can help you and make things better.

Key messages:

  • If you think that someone is being bullied, tell a trusted adult.
  • If you are bullying someone or part of a group that bully others, you can change your behaviour, take a step back and think about how your actions are impacting on the other person.

*Information taken from https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being/resources/bullying, and adapted from the national bullying helpline.

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