Bullying

Bullying is when someone does something deliberately to hurt, upset or threaten you or someone else.

Children can experience unkindness and unfairness which might not always be bullying, but it could be bullying if:

  • it goes on for a while or happens regularly
  • it is deliberate (done on purpose) because the other person or persons wants to hurt, humiliate or harm the person being bullied

Bullying can come in several forms, including:

  • being called names
  • being put down or humiliated
  • being teased
  • being pushed or pulled about
  • having money and other possessions taken or messed about with
  • having rumours spread about you
  • being ignored and left out
  • being hit, kicked or physically hurt
  • being threatened or intimidated
  • online bullying

Bullying can be frightening.  It can make you feel alone and make you feel worse about yourself.  

Unfortunately, bullying behaviours take place both in and out of school.  Parents, carers, teachers and other professionals have a duty to take action if they suspect or discover that a child is being bullied.

If you are being bullied, tell someone that you can trust.  Make sure you share your worries with a parent, friend, teacher or relative.  The best way to protect yourself from being bullied is to tell someone so that you can get some help.

If bullying at school is a concern, each school will have their own behaviour policy that includes anti bullying on their website.

The South Gloucestershire Children’s Partnership Board website has information and advice on bullying for children and young people, as well as for parents and carers, and schools staff/professionals.

Mind You is South Gloucestershire’s mental health and emotional wellbeing hub for young people. It contains information on bullying, as well as tips for being assertive and things to do if you are being bullied.

Gov.uk has advice on bullying in and outside of school, and what should be reported to the Police.

The website Young Minds has information on how bullying can affect you and how to get help.

The NSPCC website has advice for parents and carers on bullying including cyberbullying.