Breaking The Cycle
Key Fact
What is bullying?
Bullying is when someone hurts, threatens or frightens you regularly.
Game: Pal Post
Top Tips
Remember
- If you are being bullied the first thing you should do is tell someone you trust, your Mum, Dad, a teacher, older brother or sister.
- Don’t try to deal with it on your own. Tell your friends so that they can help you. They may be able to ensure that you are not left alone with the person bullying you.
- Also remember that the person doing the bullying may need help too, so by telling the teacher you may be helping the bully sort out his/her problem as well.
- Try to ignore the bullying or say 'No' really firmly, then turn and walk away.
- Don’t fight back as this will mean that you get into trouble instead.
- It's not worth getting hurt to keep possessions or money. If you feel threatened, give the bullies what they want. Property can be replaced, you can't.
- Write down what is happening to you and how you feel about it in a diary this may help you cope with your emotions and help others to understand how you feel.
- Don’t blame yourself - remember no-one deserves to be bullied.
Things to Make You Think!
PC Jones says:
- 31% of adults experienced bullying by their peers during childhood. A further 7% were discriminated against and 14% were made to feel different or 'like an outsider'.
- A quarter of children and young people bullied by their peers reported that as a consequence they suffered long-term harmful effects lasting into adulthood.
Aspects of bullying can become a criminal offence in later life.
- Verbal bullying such as name-calling could be considered criminal anti-social behaviour or slander.
- Physical bullying (hurting someone) could lead to a conviction for assault or battery.
- Extortion bullying, which is taking money or things from someone, would lead to you being charged with assault, theft and/or vandalism.
- Text or internet bullying is harassment, and is also against the law.
Introduction
Your school police officer will help you understand
- the harmful effects of bullying, and
- strategies that can help you to resolve it.
Question and Answer
Question: What do I do if my friend is being bullied?
Answer: Give them your support and keep an eye on them so they are not on their own with the bully. Encourage them to tell someone they trust or ring Childline on 0800 1111.
Question: What types of behaviour are considered to be bullying?
Answer: It includes kicking, punching, name calling, stealing other peoples things, nasty text messages, not letting someone join in an activity calling people names because
they look different (this is discrimination) or making racist or homophobic comments.
Question: What is homophobic bullying?
Answer: It is bullying someone because of a dislike or fear of someone who is
lesbian, gay bisexual or transgender (LGBT). It can also affect people who are not LGBT but are thought to be by others
because of the way they dress, talk or act. This is known as stereotyping. Victims have been verbally bullied or harassed
or intimidated or physically attached. These actions if serious can be categorised as a hate crime which is a criminal act.
If you need help, phone ChildLine on
0800 1111
Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.
Your call will not show up on the bill.
If you need to report a crime, call CrimeStoppers on
0800 555 111
Calls are free from most landlines.
Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.