We want to help stamp out bullying at school. Everyone - children, teachers, adults - can help put a stop to child bullying.
Every school should have a strong anti-bullying policy. Everyone who wants to stop bullying at school should have someone they can turn to for help. There are lots of reasons why some people start bullying, and why others are bullied. There is something about all of us that others might pick on, but bullying, at school or outside school, 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. Bullying at school can happen for lots of reasons.
There is never a reason for child bullying. Ever.
What is bullying?
Teasing or name calling.
Threatening, or making people do things they don't want to.
Taking or damaging someone's things.
Hitting or kicking.
Sending nasty text and email messages.
Playing unkind practical jokes.
Making someone feel uncomfortable or scared.
Ignoring or deliberately leaving someone out of things.
Saying or writing nasty things about someone.
Saying racist or sexist things.
Advice if you're being bullied:
If someone is bullying you, 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 child bullying happens.
Think up some replies to comments that the bullies are making.
Stay in a group - child bullying is less likely to happen if bullies 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 bullying someone:
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 at school 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 bullying 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 child 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 ChildLine on 0800 1111
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.
