Bullying, whether at school, college or home and whether face-to-face or online, can make life miserable.
It can take many forms – including name calling, physical or mental intimidation or people making fun of you or belittling you about the way you look, behave or what you believe.
If you’re being bullied, remember, the bully is the person with the problem. Often bullies are insecure or going through difficult times themselves – this doesn’t excuse their behaviour but could go some way to helping explain it.
Try to surround yourself with people who will build you up and remind yourself regularly that you are a wonderful, talented, special individual with huge potential!
But amid all of this, don’t let the abuse continue. If it’s happening to you, it’s important to tell someone about it, whether this is a parent, carer or other close relative, a teacher or another adult you trust.
If the threats are online, you can block or mute the person, as well as reporting the posts (you might want to save screen shots so you can show a trusted adult if needed – particularly if you receive the messages on a social platform that has disappearing messages).
Some forms of bullying are illegal and no forms of this mistreatment are acceptable.
Facing up to bullies and telling a trusted adult about what’s going on is always the best course of action.
Reach out for help