Stop Bullying Now! (Anti-Bullying Week)

Bullying takes many forms: name-calling, hitting, spreading rumours, stealing, excluding people and turning someone’s friends against them are just a few examples.

 

Why do bullies do it?

v     They could be angry about something, having problems at home or school, feeling insecure, unliked or jealous of their targets.

v     Although it’s hard to feel sorry for bullies, it might help to understand that happy people don’t need to make others feel unhappy or small.

v     Bullies try to make out it’s their target's fault for being different, but none of us are the same.

v     Remember, it’s the bullies who have a problem, not the people they target!

How can I make them stop?

v     It’s important to speak out. You have the right to live without being tormented.

v     Hitting back at bullies can make things worse and get you into trouble. Even if it helps you, the bully will soon be picking on someone else.

v     Keep a diary of what happens. It’ll help you decide what to do. It should also stop you missing out anything important and help show you’re telling the truth.

Who should I tell?

v     Tell as many people as you can. Sometimes just having things out in the open can be enough to make bullies stop.

v     If it’s at school, any of your teachers should be able to help, and your school should have an anti-bullying policy.

v     If you can’t tell your teachers, ask a parent or another adult to speak to them for you.