What is bullying?
Bullying is any behaviour that is intended to hurt or frighten another person or group of people. It usually takes place over a period of time. It may involve hitting, taking belongings, name calling or making offensive remarks. Sometimes bullying is less direct, for example, spreading nasty stories about someone, being excluded from friendship groups, sending malicious emails or text messages.
Some bullying is targeted at people because of their differences, the way they look, their religion, race, family background, or sexual orientation. Other differences may include a person's taste in music or sport, their hairstyle or what they wear. Whatever the reason for bullying, it needs to be taken seriously and responded to quickly.
What to do if...
Links to other sources of help
The problem of bullying is being taken seriously by the government and a number of agencies such as Childline and Kidscape. Our bullying links page will take you to some useful websites where there is a wealth of support material for you to consider.
