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Bullying

Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. Being bullied at school, home or online might involve someone pushing you, hitting you, teasing you, talking about you or calling you names.

What is bullying?Bullying

Bullying can mean many different things.
These are some ways children and young people have described bullying:

  • being called names
  • being teased
  • being pushed or pulled about
  • having money and other possessions taken or messed about with
  • having rumours spread about you
  • being ignored and left out
  • being hit, kicked or physically hurt in any way
  • being threatened or intimidated

Bullying can also be part of other forms of abuse, including neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Why am I being bullied?

People can be bullied for all sorts of reasons or no particular reason at all.

Sometimes people who bully others pick up on a small thing that makes someone stand out and they use it to hurt them. This might be the way someone looks, the things they like doing or even what kinds of clothes they wear.

Everyone is different, and it’s these differences that make people who they are. If you are being bullied in person or online, then you might think that it's your fault - it isn't.

Watch a film about contacting ChildLine


If you're not sure about what contacting ChildLine is like, watch this short film about what happens when you call us

Different kinds of bullying:

  • Homophobic – Bullying someone because they are a different sexual orientation from you. Saying that someone is ‘gay’ or using words like ‘gay’ as an insult.
  • Racist – Treating people differently because of their race, the colour of their skin, where they are from or what they believe in and using offensive words that describe race to bully people.
  • Sexist – Treating people differently based on whether they are female or male.  For example, thinking that boys are better than girls.
  • Disabilist – treating someone differently if they are disabled, or using offensive language to describe people who are disabled and using this to bully people.
  • Lookist – Bullying someone because they look different such as if they have ginger hair or wear glasses.
  • Classist – Deciding that someone is from a particular social class – usually if they are seen as being rich or poor - and bullying them because of this. For example, calling somebody a, 'chav' or, 'snob'.

  • How can using words to bully you make you feel?

    Words might not physically hurt you, but they can stay with you for a long time and make you feel bad. Using words and language to bully people is a form of emotional abuse. If you are being called names or someone calling you names it can make you feel scared, anxious, lonely and sad. In extreme cases, being bullied might make some young people want to withdraw and may cause problems with school and family relationships.  It may also lead to young people self-harming or finding other ways to let their feelings out.

  • I'm too scared to go to school - what should I do?

    No-one has the right to stop you from going to school. Your school has a duty to protect you from bullying and keep you safe. Try taking a quiet moment to talk to someone you trust and tell them about the problem. That could be a teacher or someone else you feel comfortable talking to. They can get in touch with your school and work out a way to help you.

  • If I do what they want, will they stop bullying me?

    If someone's bullying you, then going along with it will just let them know that what they're doing is working, and they will keep doing it. Try to talk to someone who can help to make it stop.

  • How can I protect myself from being bullied?

    The best way to protect yourself from being bullied is to tell someone so that you can get some help. If you try to fight back, you might make the situation worse or get into trouble yourself.

    Here are some other ideas about how you can deal with bullying. Think about your situation, and what options might be best for you.

    - Don’t ignore bullying – it won’t go away on its own and it may get worse.
    - Tell someone you trust – such as a teacher, parent or friend.
    - Remember – it’s not your fault. No one deserves to be bullied.

    Here are some other things you might want to think about:



    - Keep a record – and save any nasty texts or emails that you have been sent.
    - If possible try to stay away from the bullies or stay with a group when you don't feel safe.
    - Ask your mates to look out for you.
    - Try not to fight back – you could get into trouble or get hurt.
    - Check your school’s anti-bullying policy. This will tell you what your school should do about bullying.

  • My teacher is bullying me, what can I do?

    Your teachers have a duty to look after you. If they or any other adult working in the school is being mean to you, this is not fair. You have a right not to be made to feel stupid, be called names or punished unfairly. Talk to another teacher who you trust, perhaps your form teacher, and tell them what is happening.

    Find out more about dealing with problems at school.

  • I’m being bullied, is it my fault?

    People who bully others often try and make the person feel as if it's their fault. It's not. No-one has the right to bully you.

  • I think sometimes I can be a bully, what can I do?

    You have the choice to bully others or not to. It can be hard if everyone else is doing it and you would feel left out if you don’t join in. It takes courage to step back from bullying. Bullying causes lots of misery for people, more than you might see.

    If you find yourself bullying other people ask for help from someone you trust or call us. We won’t judge you and you can talk to us about anything. If you can find other ways to feel respected you will find it easier to stop bullying others.

  • How can I help a friend who is being bullied?

    Part of being a good mate is helping your friends when they are having problems. If one of your mates is sad or upset, this can make you unhappy too. Let your friend know you are there for them and that they can talk to you.  They might not feel like talking, but just knowing that you are there for them will help. You can also talk to ChildLine and we can help you to help your friend.

    ChildLine is here for you to talk to even if it isn't you that is having problems. You can talk to us by phone on 0800 1111 or online about anything that is making you sad or unhappy and we are here to listen and help you.

    It doesn’t matter why you or your friend might be being bullied, it feels just the same on the inside. If you, or someone you know is being bullied, there are things you can do. You could try talking to an adult you trust, or get help and advice from ChildLine. 

  • If I talk to ChildLine, who will find out?

    No-one else will know what you have said to your ChildLine counsellor unless you want them to. Your ChildLine counsellor will only take action if they feel that it's an emergency and that you are in a life threatening situation.

    If you are being bullied or are worried about anything to do with bullying, you can call us and we can help.

Speak up

Have you ever been bullied?

Positive bullying stories?

Do you have a positive story to tell about being bullied? Did you tell someone about the bullying and they've helped you? Tell us about how you survived bullying, on the message board.

Bullying positive stories

Cyber bullying


Cyber bullying is when people are nasty or threaten someone online or through a mobile phone. Find out more about Cyber bullying.

Bullying video


Watch a video about how words can hurt and how being bullied and called names can make you feel.

Worried about a friend?


Find out how you can help a friend in different situations.

Bullying

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