Bullying
Bullying isn’t just something that happens at school, it can happen almost any time in someone’s life. When it happens at school it tends to include hitting, pushing, name calling, provoking fights, making threats and taking people’s money and possessions off them. The most common type of bullying is name calling. One British survey found that 10% of secondary school pupils had been bullied at least once that term. Four per cent were bullied at least once a week.
Most people are bullied at some point in their life. It can make them feel scared, vulnerable and alone. If this is happening, then some action has to be taken to stop it. No one deserves to be bullied.
If you are being bullied what can you do? Most schools have an anti-bullying system and workplaces should have anti-bullying and harassment policies. Use these to get help.
If bullying is taking place at school, don’t accept being a victim.
- Tell a friend what is happening, and ask them to help you. If they are around it will make it harder for the bully to pick on you.
- Try and ignore the bully by saying "NO" firmly and walking away. They can't bully someone who won't stand still to listen.
- Try not to show that you are upset or angry - bullies love getting this sort of reaction.
- Don't fight back if you can help it. You could make things worse, get hurt or be blamed for starting trouble
- It's not worth getting beaten up to keep your things. They can always be replaced.
- Try and think up funny or clever replies in advance. Treat it as a joke. This might put the bully off.
- Avoid being alone in places you know you'll get picked on.
- Sometimes asking the bully to repeat what they said can put them off. They might tone it down second time. It will also put them off their guard and give you some control of the situation.
- Keep a diary of what is happening. Write down details of the incidents and your feelings
