What can I do if I'm am being bullied?
This article provides support for young people who are experiencing bullying behaviour. Check out our article ‘Everything you need to know about Cyberbullying’ for guidance on what to do if you are experiencing cyberbullying.
If you are experiencing bullying behaviour, it can make you feel low, helpless and alone. But we’re here to remind you that you are not alone and there are people around you that care about you and want to help. For this reason - and for your own mental health - it’s important to talk to someone you trust.
Bullying behaviour at school_
1_Don’t suffer in silence
Every school has a duty of care to look after their students. If you are experiencing bullying behaviour at school, it’s important that you talk to a responsible adult. This can be your form tutor, pastoral care, head of year or any teacher that you trust. You could also speak to a parent or guardian or get support from a support service. If your school has Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, you can also reach out to one of these students for support.
2_Save the evidence
Keep a record of what’s been going on – remember the 4 W’s: What, Where, When and Who. This will help the person supporting you to understand the situation and help you to resolve it.
3_Plan next steps
Your school should put an action plan in place to stop the bullying behaviour and keep you safe. If your school does not take you seriously and you’ve already approached your school’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, your parents/carers can arrange a meeting in school to talk through how the situation will be resolved.
Bullying behaviour outside of school
1_Speak to your teacher
Even if you are experiencing bullying behaviour outside of school and the person doesn’t go to your school, your teacher still has a duty of care to support your wellbeing and help you deal with the situation. If you receive additional support in school, you can contact your SENCO as well. Your school or parent/carer could also help you to arrange counselling if the bullying behaviour is affecting your wellbeing and mental health. You can also arrange an appointment with your GP.
2_Speak to their teacher
If the person that is exhibiting the bullying behaviour is not in your school and you know the school that they belong to, you can still speak to your teacher/parent and they can contact the school that the young person attends and they should take action.
3_Speak to the police
If the person is unknown to you, your parent/ carer can help you to contact the police and describe the person/incident to them and seek their advice.
Make sure you follow the steps above and talk to people inside and outside of school that you can trust. This includes friends and they can be an important part of your support network who can really make you feel better in times like this. These people care for you and will work with you to stop the bullying behaviour. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, you don’t deserve this and it will pass.
Further Support_
Explore our online Resource Centre for more articles on bullying behaviour.
Childline
You can contact Childline by calling 0800 1111.
The Diana Award Crisis Messenger
This service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are a young person in crisis, you can text DA to 85258. Trained volunteers will listen to how you’re feeling and help you think the next step towards feeling better.
