Stand up 2 Bullying

How does bullying happen?

> There are all sorts of reasons, but often a bully is someone who has experienced aggression earlier in their life.
> Those who are bullied often appear different in some way – they may be quiet, shy, or alone at playtime for example.

What effect does it have?

> Victims of bullying often suffer in silence, and lose confidence in themselves.
> They may also lose their friends and have difficulty in going to the places where they get bullied – usually school.
> Anxiety, sleeping problems, depression and even suicidal thoughts can also be a result of bullying.

What if I am being bullied?

> Don’t suffer in silence; it will take a lot of courage, but tell someone, such as a trusted teacher or your parents or carer.
> Your school may have an anti-bullying policy, but if you don’t tell someone about what’s happening, they will not be able to put it into action.
> Most important, don’t be ashamed of being bullied. It’s not your fault – you don’t deserve it.
> It can be hard to admit you’re being bullied to someone you know, so perhaps it may be easier to tell someone outside the immediate family, like a grandparent or a Connexions Personal Adviser.
> Your class teacher needs to know what is going on so try to find a time to tell him/her when it won’t be noticed. You could stay behind pretending to need help with some work.
> You shouldn’t try to sort it out on your own and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
> “I can’t ask other kids for help because other kids are the problem.”

Click on:
www.bullying.co.uk
www.youthinformation.com
www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying

Contact:
The Anti Bullying Campaign Tel: 020 7378 1446
Childline Tel: 0800 1111 (freephone)