Bullying often involves an imbalance of power e.g. popularity, physical strength, age, group size etc. which can leave the victim of bullying feeling powerless and isolated.
Bullying can be perpetrated in different ways:
1. Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding possessions, threatening gestures)
2. Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
3. Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
4. Cyber: all areas of internet, such as email, chat room misuse and social networking sites including inappropriate messaging, passing on messages or sharing of personal information, mobile threats by text messaging and calls, misuse of technology i.e. camera and video facilities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please fill in a SHARP report so that we can help.
ChildLine is the UK's free, confidential helpline for children and young people. They offer advice and support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day. Whenever and wherever you need them, they'll be there. Call 0800 1111. They have a designated page for bullying issues that includes a new video about building up your confidence after bullying.
EACH has a freephone Helpline for children experiencing homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying or harassment: 0808 1000 143. It’s open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm.
Victim Support offer support to young people affected by crime. Their Children and Young People's (CYP) Service also deals with cases of bullying; offering advice and working with professionals to ensure young people get the support they need. You can call their Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111.
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) maintains a website for children and young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online: thinkuknow
Kidscape's aim is for all children to grow up in supportive communities safe from bullying and harm.? Their mission is to provide practical support, training, and advice to challenge bullying and protect young lives. They have a wealth of resources here: kidscape.org.uk