Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to me at what seems like a difficult time for you.

Bullying is wrong and it shouldn’t be happening to you. No one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad and you don't have to put up with it, you can talk to someone about it. If you are being bullied, tell a friend, tell a teacher and tell your parents. It won't stop unless you do.

It can be hard to do this so if you don't feel you can do it in person it might be easier to write a note to your parents explaining how you feel. Perhaps you could talk to someone outside the immediate family, like a grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin and ask them to help you tell your parents what's going on.

Your teacher needs to know what is going on so try to find a time to tell him/her when no ne else is around. You could stay behind and pretend that you need help with some work. If you don't feel you can do that, then perhaps you could speak to the school nurse instead. Schools have a duty to look after pupils and this includes making sure bullying isn't happening. You might also find it helpful to keep a record of the bullying as evidence for when you talk to your teacher. You can include dates and times, who was there, what was said and if there were any witnesses.

You could also talk to a ChildLine counsellor by calling the 24 hour helpline 0800 1111, send an email or have a 1-2-1 chat. ChildLine counsellors can discuss with you ways of coping with what is happening and suggest ways in which you can stop the bullying. You have done the right thing to contact me and are so brave to talk about how you feel. 

You might find additional support on the Bullying message board where other young people have posted about their own experiences. Remember that you do not have to go through this alone.

Take care,

Sam