Remember, if you are worried about bullying speak to someone you trust like your mum, dad, friend or a teacher.

If you don’t want to do that you can always call:

• Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk
• National Bullying Helpline on 0300 323 0169 or visit https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting, intimidating or persecution of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can happen face to face or online.

Bullying behaviour can be:

• Physical – pushing, poking, kicking, hitting, biting, pinching etc.
• Verbal - name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, threats, teasing, belittling.
• Emotional – isolating others, tormenting, hiding books, threatening gestures, ridicule, humiliation, intimidating, excluding, manipulation and coercion.
• Sexual – unwanted physical contact, inappropriate touching, abusive comments, homophobic abuse, exposure to inappropriate films etc.
• Online /cyber – posting on social media, sharing photos, sending nasty text messages or posts, social exclusion
• Indirect - Can include the exploitation of individuals.

Information taken from Anti-Bullying Alliance: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Bullying may be motivated by prejudice against distinct groups because of their:

• Gender
• Race
• Disability
• Religion
• Sexual Orientation
• Bullying may also be motivated by actual or perceived differences such as ability, appearance, weight or because they are in care.

What should you do if you are being bullied?

• Remember it is not your fault, every-one has the right not to be bullied.
• Tell someone- Think of an adult you trust either at home, in school, within your family or friends that you could go to if you needed help or to talk about being bullied. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.
• Record each bullying event- Keep a record or a diary 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.
• Think of ways to respond to the bully- don’t react or retaliate that is what the bully wants you to do. If you can, it’s ok to practice and say “What you just did is not ok with me; it is not nice so please stop doing it”. If speaking up is too hard or unsafe, just walk away.
• Try to avoid being with the bully alone
• Surround yourself with friends that care and treat you with respect- people who put you down or treat you badly are not true friends.

What should you do if you see someone being bullied?

• Make it clear that you don’t like it when people bully others, and stick up for people who are having a hard time.
• Give help and support to the person being bullied.
• Ask what you can do to help.
• Report the incident to a trusted adult

What should you do if you have bullied?

Bullying is never ok, but it’s not too late to change. The best thing you can do is talk to your trusted adult and ask for help to stop you from hurting anyone else. This is a very brave and courageous step to take - so go ahead and stop the bullying now. Learn how to say sorry and encourage others to stop bullying. You will feel better inside if you can take this first huge step to ask for help.

Further information, resources and help with bullying can be found below. If you struggle with the websites or need information printing out then please let your teacher know.

Anti-bullying week 2021 One Kind Word

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2021-one-kind-word

Anti-Bullying Alliance: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Childline: www.childline.org.uk

Ditch the label https://dtled.org

Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk

National Bullying helpline https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

Children’s page   Help and Advice for Children affected by bullying (nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk)

NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk

The Diana Award: www.diana-award.org.uk

Victim Support: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk

Young Carers: www.youngcarers.net