Beat the bullies!

So what is bullying?

Bullying can take on many forms:

Physical:

Pushing, kicking, violence, stealing

Verbal:

Name-calling, spreading rumours, teasing you in front of others, being sarcastic

Emotional:

Ignoring you or keeping you out of group conversations, tormenting, making fun of you

Racist:

Making racial comments about you and your family, rude gestures, jokes about your religion

Sexual:

Touching you when you don't want to be, pressuring you to do things that you don't want

How can you stop it?

If you are being bullied, or know someone who is, then tell your parents or another adult you trust. Sometimes children or young people feel ashamed about telling adults about bullying, but you shouldn't.

Usually your parents are the best people to tell because they will help you work out the best way to get the bullying to stop. Don't forget they were at school not so long ago, so they might know more than you think about your situation.

If you can't tell your parents then talk to a teacher or an older person you trust. The school can't do anything about the bullying if they don't know about it. Take a friend with you if you're nervous. And remember there are many ways a school can stop bullying without you having to confront the bully alone.

Where can I get help?

If you're very upset or distressed and need to talk to someone, you can call ChildLine at any time on 0800 1111 for free and confidential advice.

Kidscape can also offer help: Their phone number is 0207 730 3300 or look at the Kidscape website for more information, links to other helpful organisations and free leaflets.

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