Bullying

mobile phone with sad emoji

Bullying is something many young people experience, but that doesn’t make it okay. It happens when someone hurts, scares, or puts another person down on purpose. Bullying can be physical, verbal, emotional, or online. It can leave you feeling worried, upset, or alone — but you’re not. Bullying is never your fault.

Bullying can make you feel small or powerless, but you deserve kindness and safety. You’re not to blame, and you’re not weak for needing help. Reaching out is a sign of strength.

You matter.
You deserve support.
And things can get better.

Recognising bullying is the first step to stopping it. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported.

  • Bullying can show up in different ways:

    Physical Bullying

    Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings.

    Verbal Bullying

    Name‑calling, teasing, threats, or mean comments.

    Social/Emotional Bullying

    Spreading rumours, excluding someone, making others turn against them.

    Cyberbullying

    Hurtful messages, posts, pictures, or fake accounts used to embarrass or upset someone.

    No matter how it happens, bullying can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself.

  • You might feel:

    • Scared

    • Sad

    • Angry

    • Ashamed

    • Confused

    • Embarrassed

    • Alone

    These feelings are normal. Bullying affects your confidence, mood, and sense of safety. You deserve support.

  • Bullying can also affect your body, especially when you’re stressed:

    • Trouble sleeping

    • Loss of appetite

    • Stomach aches

    • Headaches

    • Overthinking

    • Tiredness

    • Difficulty focusing

    Your feelings and body often respond together when something’s wrong.

  • 1. Tell Someone You Trust

    Talking to someone is the most important step.
    A parent, teacher, youth worker, or friend can help you stay safe and feel heard.

    You don’t have to deal with bullying alone.

    2. Stay Calm and Walk Away

    If you can, move away from the situation.
    You don’t need to argue or react — your safety matters more than anything.

    3. Keep Evidence (for Online Bullying)

    Screenshots, messages, or posts can help adults understand what’s happening and step in.

    4. Set Boundaries

    If it feels safe, you can say:

    • “Stop.”

    • “I don’t like that.”

    • “That’s not okay.”

    But you never have to confront someone if you don’t feel comfortable.

    5. Be With Supportive People

    Spend time with people who treat you with kindness.
    Friends who build you up can make you feel stronger and less alone.

    6. Take Care of Yourself

    Do things that help you feel calm — music, sport, talking, drawing, fresh air, writing, gaming.
    Your wellbeing matters.

    7. Challenge Negative Thoughts

    Bullying can make you believe things that aren’t true.
    Remind yourself:

    • “I deserve respect.”

    • “This isn’t my fault.”

    • “I am stronger than this situation.”

    You are more than the words or actions of others.

    8. Get Help If You Need It

    If bullying begins to affect your mental health, ask for more support.
    Talking to a counsellor, trusted adult, or youth worker can help you feel safer and more in control.

  • Bullying doesn’t just hurt feelings — it can damage confidence, friendships, and wellbeing.
    When you speak up, you’re not causing trouble. You’re protecting yourself, and sometimes helping others who may be too scared to speak.

    Everyone has a right to feel safe, respected, and valued.

Get Support

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Social Media and Body Image

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