Stopping the bullies: a guide for young people and children

Frequently asked questions about bullying, for young people and children

• download: Bullying Prevention a guide for young people and children (PDF 1989KB)

Nearly everyone is bullied at some time in their lives. This can be by brothers and sisters, by other pupils at school or by adults. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. If you are being bullied, you may feel scared and alone. But try to get the help you need to sort the situation out so that the bullying stops.

How do I know if I'm being bullied?

• name calling and nasty teasing
• threats and extortion, verbally and by texting
• physical violence
• damage to belongings
• leaving pupils out of social activities deliberately and frequently
• spreading malicious rumours

What should I do if I'm being bullied?

Tell someone that you trust:

• talk to your parents/carers. They can ask for a copy of the school’s anti-bullying policy
• talk to your friends or brothers/sisters
• talk or write to your class teacher/form tutor
• talk or write to another adult at your school, like a mentor or teaching assistant.

Also:

• try to avoid being alone in the places where you know the bully is likely to pick on you
• keep a diary of what is happening
• talk to Childline free on 0800 1111, they are open 24 hours a day
• if you are deaf there is a textphone service, which provides confidential support and advice on 0800 400 222. It’s open from 9.30am to 9.30pm on weekdays, and 9.30am to 8pm at weekends.

What shouldn't I do?

Don’t hit back, if you can help it. This might make it worse or you might be blamed for starting a fight. Don’t miss school. It will be much more difficult to go back to school, and you might fall behind with your work.

Remember: if you are being bullied, or if you have seen some bullying taking place, it is very important to talk to someone you trust about what is going on.

What should I do if I'm a bully?

• do you know why and how you are bullying others?
• think about the pain that bullying can cause - do you really want to hurt or upset people?
• it is not big or cool to make others feel small or to hurt them
• bullying will not help you have real friends, sometimes people will only talk to you because they are scared of you
• ask for help to stop you bullying others
• try talking to an adult or to a friend that you trust.

What should I do if I'm an onlooker?

Do you know what bullying looks like? An onlooker is someone who stands by, and does nothing while someone else is being bullied. Sometimes, onlookers might join in with name-calling without being the person who starts it.

Have a look at the list above and if you recognise that something is happening then tell someone.

Where can I read more?

For young readers:
Bully by David Hughes
Taking the Cats Way Home by Jan Mark
Beat the Bullies by Michele Elliott
The Angel of Nitshill Road by Anne Fine

For fluent readers:
The Camera Obscura by Hugh Scott
Bully by Yvonne Coppard
The Bailey Game by Celia Rees
Bad Girls by Jacqueline Wilson
The Bubbler by Pam Ayres

Some websites that may help you:

• www.bullying.co.uk
• www.antibullying.net
• http://www.childline.org.uk/
• www.nspcc.org.uk/kidszone
• www.kidscape.org.uk and then click on children/young people

Local Camden Help:

Young Victims of Bullying and Crime, Camden Victim Support provides free and confidential emotional support and practical guidance to young victims of bullying or crime, in person and via a dedicated young persons’ freephone number on 0800 731 5801.

For further information about bullying please contact: Policy, planning and performance team