Stamping out bullying

You’ve probably all come across bullies.  Bullies do not respect other people and bullying comes in many different forms, such as telling lies about others, stealing from them, hitting them and saying nasty things or texting nasty messages to them.  People who are bullied may become so upset and frightened that they try to harm themselves and pretend to be ill so that they don’t have to go to school.  They may even become so distressed they kill themselves.  So bullying is very serious indeed.

Bullies will try and get others to gang up on the person they are bullying.  Make sure you don’t get drawn into this and never encourage bullying by, for example, laughing when you see someone being bullied.  Try and do everything you can to help stamp out bullying.  For instance, if you see a boy or girl being bullied they're probably very upset.  Make sure they know that you and your friends don't like what is going on and ask them to join your group so they feel included and supported. (1)

If you are being bullied, don’t try and cope alone.  Tell a friend, a teacher and your parents.  Unless you do this the bullying won't stop. (2)