Bullying

Bullying is surprisingly common, and occurs in most schools. Recent surveys have shown that over 25% of junior and middle school pupils and 10% of secondary school pupils are being bullied. There are many forms of bullying;

• Hitting or punching
• Kicking
• Tripping someone up
• Taking or spoiling someone else's things
• Name-calling
• Nasty teasing
• Nasty looks or threats
• Racist remarks
• Spreading nasty rumours or stories about someone else
• Not letting someone join in
• Sending someone to -?Coventry' (ignoring them)

One person or a group may carry out bullying, and the victims of bullying usually find it very hard to defend themselves. Unless something is done about it, bullying can go on for a long time.

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.

Being Bullied? Call one of the helpline numbers at the back of this section