Bullying

If you're being bullied, you may feel isolated or frightened. You may find it hard to make friends or talk to people your age. But you don't have to put up with bullying.

What to do

To stop the bullying, speak to someone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's the first step to resolving a situation that's not acceptable. Everyone has a right to feel safe at school, and the law says your school has to try to prevent all forms of bullying.

There are many people who will listen and help. Tell someone you trust, such as a parent, carer, teacher or friend. If you feel you can't talk directly to any of these people, write them a note or email them.

ChildLine also gives the following advice on its website:

  • Stay away from anyone involved in bullying.
  • Stay in a group of friends when you don't feel safe.
  • Walk home with someone or get a lift.
  • Ask your mates to look out for you.
  • Try not to fight back, as you could get into trouble or get hurt.
  • Don't reply to an abusive message.
  • Keep a record and save any nasty messages you've received.
  • Block the bully from contacting you or unfriend them on social media.
  • Ask your school about its anti-bullying policy to find out what they should do about bullying. 
Who can help

Some of the below links will take you to an external website.

ChildLine - is a helpline and website for young people and children. You can call ChildLine confidentially at any time of the day or night to talk about any worries. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles, and they won't appear on a phone bill. You can also chat online to an adviser. Tel: 0800 1111

Bullybusters - operates a free anti-bullying helpline for anyone who's been affected by bullying. It also has a website and message board, with sections specifically for kids and young people. Tel: 0800 169 6928

Family lives - offers extensive practical advice and information about bullying for young people, and its website has a section on bullying at school. Tel: 0808 800 2222

Help for different types of bullying

Bullying related to race, religion or culture -
ChildLine has a section on racism and what you can do if you encounter racist bullying.

Homophobic and transphobic bullying -
EACH is a charity for young people and adults affected by homophobia and transphobia. It has a telephone helpline for young people who are experiencing homophobic or transphobic bullying. Tel: 0808 1000 143

Stonewall is a charity that campaigns for equal rights for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. 

Bullying of young carers -
Carers Trust survey in 2013 found a quarter of the young adult carers they spoke to had been bullied at school because of their caring role. There are lots of organisations that can help you if you are a young carer or young adult carer.

Cyberbullying -
Anti-bullying alliance is a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.

More information

You can find many more anti-bullying organisations on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website which contains all the important sources of anti-bullying information and support.

Getting your confidence back after bullying

Being bullied can dent anyone's confidence, but there are tips you can follow to feel better about yourself.

Listed below are links to organisations that offer advice for children and young people on ways to boost how well you cope with difficult situations.

Page last reviewed: 04/03/2024