Are you being bullied?

Credit: ITV West Country

  • What should I do if I'm being bullied?

Depending on where you are - whether work or school or home, there are many organisations available to provide support and advice on what you could do if you feel you're being bullied.

For kids and teenagers being bullied at school:

  • Let your parents or carers know: Tell them how long it has been going on and how it makes you feel. You can write everything down to show them, or ask a friend or family member to join you.

  • Report it to your school: you or your parents can report what's going on to your teacher. The school will have procedures to support you as they must keep you safe from bullying.

Adults being bullied at work could:

  • Find out what your work place policy is on bullying

  • Talk to someone you trust, for support, whether a friend, family member or trusted workmate

  • Make notes of what they say or do, when it happens and who else witnesses it. This could be used as evidence. Keep any emails and screenshots of online posts

  • If you feel it's safe to, speak to the person who is bullying you and let them know how it affects you, because in some cases, they might not be aware

  • If you're not comfortable doing so, let relevant people know what’s going on, for example management

  • Make an official complaint through your HR or your trade union

Here are a list of helplines you can contact from the Anti-Bullying Alliance:

Here is some advice from Kidscape for people being cyberbullied (bullied online):

  • Don't respond: Never get involved in arguments online, as this will only escalate the situation and make it much worse.

  • Report it: Start by talking to your parents or guardians about the types of cyberbullying you have experienced.

  • The school has a responsibility to protect you from bullying, even if it happens offsite, online or over the phone. Ask your parents to schedule a meeting with your teacher, and be prepared to talk to them about who has been involved.

  • Service providers: There are very simple steps you can take to report cyberbullies who contact you by phone, email and on social media. These are all outlined here.

  • The police: Forms of cyberbullying such as threatening phone calls or messages may be an illegal offence that the police can help with.

  • Block the bullies: You can easily prevent cyberbullies from being able to contact you by following our cyber safe settings.

  • Increase your privacy: Unfortunately, some people use the internet to cause harm to others. Don't let this small group ruin your experience, but be sensible with the information you share. Follow our privacy guidelines to keep yourself protected.

  • Respect your online presence: It is easy to forget that the cyber world is the real world, and what you share online can have huge consequences. It is therefore so important that you always think before you post!