Bullying is always wrong

We want to help schools stamp out bullying.

Everyone - children, teachers, adults - can help put a stop to bullying.

Every school should have a strong anti-bullying policy.

Everyone who wants to stop bullying should have someone they can turn to for help.

There are lots of reasons why people bully and are bullied. There is something about all of us that others might pick on, but bullying is always wrong, no matter what. It could be the way a person looks, their size, how they talk, or maybe because they're not very clever, or because they are top of the class. There is never a reason for bullying. Ever.

How people are bullied:

Advice if you're being bullied:

• Tell someone what is happening - someone you feel you can trust, maybe a parent, a relative, a teacher or a youth leader. It's harder for a bully to pick on you if they know you have someone to support you. And telling is not "grassing" - you have a right to be, and feel, safe!

• Write down what happens and the dates, places and times when it happens.

• Think up some replies to comments that the bullies are making.

• Stay in a group - a bully is less likely to pick on you if they know you are not on your own

• Try and find out why you are being bullied, and work out if there is anything you could do differently to stop it happening.

• Don't keep it to yourself - it's ok to share your worries. Speak to your friends, parents or a teacher.

• If they don't understand how bad you feel, don't give up. Keep on trying, or think of someone else you can talk to.

• It's important to find someone to talk to - they can help you think about what to do next.

• Walk away - don't worry if others think you're running away; it's more difficult for a bully to pick on someone who won't stand still!!

Advice if you're being a bully:

• Do you know why and how you are bullying others?

• Think about the pain bullying can cause - do you really want to hurt or upset people?

• It is not big to make others feel small.

• Bullying will not win you any real friends.

• Ask for help to stop you bullying others - try talking to an adult or a friend you trust.

Seen it happening and don't know what to do?

• An onlooker is someone who stands by while someone else is being bullied. Or they may join in with name calling, even though they are not the ringleader.

• Do you know what kind of behaviour is bullying? Try looking at the list above.

• Listen to friends who are being bullied or who are bullying other children. Try talking to them about what their feelings are and how they are behaving.

• Don't join in with people who bully - it isn't big to make others feel small.

• Try not to ignore things you know are wrong because you are worried that you will be bullied too.

• Tell an adult about what is happening.

• Encourage friends to ask for help if they are being bullied or are bullying others.

If you are being bullied, or are bullying others, or being an onlooker, it is really important you talk to someone you trust about what's going on.

If you are being bullied - IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!

Tell someone and it will help it stop.

If you'd like to talk to someone outside school in confidence, you can phone the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

For further help and advice on dealing with bullying, visit www.bullying.co.uk.