Are you a young person who's suffering at the hands of bullies? Or maybe you're witnessing others being bullied? Either way there are ways around it. Here's our antibullying tips for you:
Ø Keep a record of what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. If the bullying is online, keep the evidence – save or copy any photos, videos, texts, emails or posts. This is so we have as much information as possible to help you.
Ø It can be tempting if you are being bullied to retaliate – for example to send a horrible message back to someone; to try and embarrass and hurt the other person, or to fight back. This is not a good idea– you might end up being seen as the troublemaker or get yourself even more hurt.
If you have concerned about YOU and/or a FRIEND or SOMEONE you know, this is a CONFIDENTIAL way to report it.
Below are some useful links
Helplines
- ChildLine: ChildLine is the UK's free, confidential helpline for children and young people. They offer advice and support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day. Whenever and wherever you need them, they'll be there. Call 0800 1111. They have a designated page for bullying issues that includes a new video about building up your confidence after bullying.
- Direct Gov: Information for young people on cyberbullying, bullying on social networks, Internet and email bullying, bullying on mobile phones, bullying at school, what to do about bullying, and information and advice for people who are bullying others and want to stop.
- EACH : EACH has a freephone Helpline for children experiencing homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying or harassment: 0808 1000 143. It’s open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm.
- Victim Support: They offer support to young people affected by crime. Their Children and Young People's (CYP) Service also deals with cases of bullying; offering advice and working with professionals to ensure young people get the support they need. You can call their Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111.
Websites
The websites below have lots of information and advice for anyone who has experienced bullying.
- The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) maintains a website for children and young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online: Think U Know
- Childline: information about bullying
- Kidscape: information for young people
If you have concerned about YOU and/or a FRIEND or SOMEONE you know, this is a CONFIDENTIAL way to report it.