Anti Bullying

Are you a young person who’s suffering at the hands of bullies? Or maybe you’re witnessing others being bullied? Either way there are ways around it. Here are some anti-bullying tips for you from the Anti-bullying Alliance:

• It doesn’t matter what colour hair you have; what trainers you are wearing; how you speak; how you walk; how you talk – it is not your fault if you get bullied. We are all different in some way and that’s what makes us amazing.
• Whether you are a boy or a girl, old or young, big or small – bullying makes you feel rubbish and it’s okay to be upset about it. The important thing is that you tell someone about it.
• If you feel you can, talk to a teacher you trust or your parents, brother or sister. If you don’t want to do that you can always call Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk
• Keep a record of what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. If the bullying is online, keep the evidence – save or copy any photos, videos, texts, emails or posts.
• It can be tempting if you are being bullied to retaliate – for example to send a horrible message back to someone; to try and embarrass and hurt the other person, or to fight back. This is not a good idea – you might end up being seen as the trouble maker or get yourself even more hurt.
• Think about other ways you can respond to bullying. For example, practise saying: “I don’t like it when you say/do that – please stop.” Think about other people who can help you if you are being bullied – this could be other classmates or a teacher.
• Only hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself. If someone constantly puts you down they are not a real friend and not worth your time.
• Be kind to yourself, and do things that make you feel good, relax and make new friends. You might play an instrument; write lyrics; draw cartoons; dance; act or join a sports club. This is your life so make sure it’s the best life possible – don’t let anyone bring you down.
• Remember to be kind to other people! Just because someone is different to you and your friends – that doesn’t mean you are better than them or have a right to make them feel bad. If you mess up, say sorry. You don’t have to be friends with everyone – but you should always show respect, make it clear that you don’t like it when people bully others, and stick up for people who are having a hard time.