INFORMATION
ON BULLYING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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Bullying is a serious
issue. It can be used to describe physical attack, like
someone hitting or kicking you, but it can also mean other
unpleasant behaviour like threats, laughing at you, everyone
refusing to talk to you, damaging your property or demanding
money or possessions off you.
Many
people are bullied. Often the bullies just see it as a joke,
but if you're not finding it funny then it is not acceptable.
Many victims feel hurt, frightened and alone. They don't
know what to do or where to turn to. Bullying must be taken
seriously. Many acts of bullying such as threats, intimidation,
physical assault or damaging your possessions are illegal
and the police could prosecute the bullies.
Who
are the Bullies?
Bullies are often
insecure people. Their insecurity makes them bully because
they need to feel powerful. By hurting their victims, especially
in front of other people they gain a sense of power, which
hides their insecurities. They may feel jealous or resentful
of others and feel the need to hurt them.
Whatever
their justification, bullying is totally unacceptable and
the bullies need to be stopped.
What
should I do about it?
If
you are being bullied, the most important thing to do is
to tell someone. Bullying is never acceptable or the fault
of the victim and you have nothing to be ashamed of. The
only people who should be ashamed are the bullies.
The
best people to tell are your teacher and your parents/carers.
If you find this difficult you could try talking to a friend
first or maybe tell another member of the family or the
school nurse. If you find it difficult to find the right
words you could write down what's been happening to you
and how you feel and then hand it to a responsible adult.
If
you are not being bullied yourself but witness someone else
being bullied at school you should tell someone immediately.
Stopping bullying is everyone's responsibility and you could
be a victim in the future.
If
you are being bullied there are other things that you could
do to try and keep yourself safe:
- Bullies tend to pick on people when they are on their
own. Try and stay in a group of friends, particularly
when a teacher is not always around like at break or
lunchtime or when walking to and from school.
- If there is a group of people bullying you, you could
try telling members of the group how you feel when they
are on their own. Ask them individually why they are
bullying you. If it is difficult to speak to them on
their own you could call them up.
- If a group of people are threatening you, never hit
back as this could make things worse. If you are in
danger, shout loudly and try and get away as quickly
as possible. If a group threaten to hurt you unless
you give them money or belongings hand them over but
report this to the police immediately. Your
safety is the most important thing.
Organisations
that can help you
- Anti-bullying Campaign
- Childline
- Police (if you are in trouble and need help immediately)
Dial 999
- You can also get advice and help from Bullying Online
www.bullying.co.uk
- You can email problems to Bullying Online and get
help: help@bullying.co.uk
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