Bullying
If you are experiencing bullying, you are not alone. Most schools report some level of bullying between students. Bullying can cause distress and suffering and its effects can last a long time.
What is bullying?
There are many different types of bullying, including:
- verbal/emotional—name calling, putting someone down, ignoring and pulling faces at someone, ridiculing
- physical—hitting, punching, kicking, pushing someone and destroying someone else's property
- social (covert)—lying and spreading rumours, playing a horrible joke on someone
- cyberbullying—using technology to hurt someone else—for example, sending hurtful messages or pictures on a mobile phone, or bullying through a chat room or social networking site
- making threats—towards another person, or stalking.
Effects of bullying
Bullying can affect many aspects of a person's life, including their psychological, emotional and physical wellbeing. Depending on how bad the bullying is, and how long it goes on for, these effects can last for a long time. Young people who are bullied may:
- feel stressed, anxious, depressed, sad or angry
- feel alone and alienated from others
- feel sick (possibly vomit), have headaches, or lose their appetite
- not cope well at school
- have problems sleeping.
Bullying can also lead to:
- lowered self-esteem
- shame and embarrassment
- wanting to run away
- suicidal thoughts.
Does it help to talk about it?
Yes. If you’re being bullied, it’s important to talk to someone you trust about what is going on. Talking to someone can help you:
- feel heard and understood
- get a clearer picture of what is going on
- get some ideas about ways of coping and how to stop the bullying.
Kids helpline has ideas and information on how to deal with bullying.
If you see others bullied
If you see someone being bullied at your school, don’t stand around and watch it happen. Take a stand against it by speaking to a teacher or the school counsellor. If every student acts when they witness bullying, it will go a long way to stopping it.
Getting help
If you’re being bullied, or know someone who is, and would like to talk about it, phone Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use Kids Helpline web counselling or email counselling services. Kids Helpline will listen to you and help you work out what might help.
