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Home > Young People > Bullying > I’m being bullied

I’m being bullied

Information and advice for young people being bullied.

Bullying is not your fault, bullying is hurtful and is unacceptable in any form. The most important thing you can do is to tell someone you trust what is happening so that they can help you.

Do…

  • Tell a friend
  • Tell a parent or family member
  • Tell a teacher, a mentor, or a school counsellor

Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone on the telephone who doesn’t know you. ChildLine has a free confidential helpline for young people and can give advice and support about what to do.

Other things you can do:

Walk to school with friends or get a lift

Two friends sitting together.

Stay with friends and ask them to look out for you

group bringing their hands together to make a connection.

Block bullies on social media

phone held in hand.

Keep copies/screenshots of abusive messages as evidence.

Girl looking worried holding mobile phone.

Find out about your schools anti-bullying policy, such as who to talk to and what can be done.

Adult and child sitting at table talking.

Keep a record of things that happen to you to show the school

pen and paper, one piece screwed up.

Try NOT to:

  • Fight back – sometimes this is what the bullies want
  • Reply to abusive messages – again, this is sometimes what the bullies want and can encourage them to keep sending hurtful messages
  • Keep the bullying to yourself – it’s always better to talk to someone about what’s happening so that they can support you in putting a stop to the bullying

Where can I get support?

Don’t ignore the bullying as unfortunately this won’t make it go away. Talk to your parents, carers or teachers. All schools have anti-bullying policies in place that are there to help students. Often you can find these on your school website and they will explain what your school can do to help stop the bullying.

two people sat companionably at a bench.

Bullying can have a big impact on the way you feel. Young people have described feeling lonely, anxious, isolated and low in mood when they have been bullied. If you are experiencing these feelings and they are impacting on your day-to-day life, then you need to talk to your family, a GP, a school counsellor, or someone else who you trust. They can help to get you the right emotional support you need, and help put a stop to the bullying.

child hiding their face in their hands.

Top Tip to Remember:

There are people who want to help you.

Real Life Experience

If you would like to share your story, contact us at [email protected]