Coping with bullying

What is bullying?

• Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone else. It includes name calling, physically hurting someone, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone.
• Bullying is often associated with children but in reality it can happen anywhere and to any one. At school, at home, at work or online. It’s usually repeated over a long period of time and can be physical or emotional.

Bullying can happen anywhere and at any time. In fact, most people get bullied at some point in their life.

It’s not just something that happens at school. It can be at home, at work, even somewhere like a football club. You might not even realise you’re being bullied. You might just feel that people are picking on you, that you’re the butt of their jokes and you’re feeling down and worthless because of it. None of that is ok. Support is available. Find more places to get tailored support here.

How does bullying impact your mental health?

• Decreasing or lack of self-confidence
• Being wary or suspicious of other people and unknown places
• Signs of depression and/or anxiety
• Changing sleep patterns due to worry
• Becoming more introverted and not socialising as much

People who are bullied often feel that they’ve done something to make them stand out, that in some way it’s their fault. It isn’t. Bullying and abusive behaviour is unacceptable - if you're being bullied it's important to talk to someone you trust about what you're going through.

Dealing with bullying

Most schools and workplaces have anti-bullying rules. They are there to be used, so use them. It’s not always easy, but it will be worth it. You aren’t to blame for the treatment you are receiving, so you don’t have to accept being a victim. Remember that the people who are treating you badly are the ones with a problem, not you.

Bullies pick on people because they think they can get away with it. It’s not easy to stand up to bullies, and if you’re struggling, tell someone you trust about what’s happening.

If you're being bullied and it's making you think about suicide or hurting yourself, then talk to CALM. Our helpline is open from 5pm to midnight every day. Find out more here.

Finding support if you are being bullied

There are lots of places you can go for advice and help:

• Find more support and practical tips using our how-tos and Guides
• If you're feeling suicidal or have thoughts of harming yourself, talk to CALM. Our helpline is open from 5pm to midnight every day. Find out more here.
• National Bullying Helpline has content and advice to help you deal with bullying
• Childline has lots of tools to help young people cope with bullying
• Gov.uk have guidelines on bullying at work.
• Find more places to get help with bullying here.