Need Help with Bullying?
If someone is frightening you, hurting you or making you feel left out, you don't have to face it alone. Here's what you can do and where to find help.
Are you worried about bullying? We're here to help you find support.
Sometimes other people behave in ways that make us feel frightened, upset or unhappy.
Perhaps someone keeps calling you names, leaving you out, threatening you or being unkind online.
You might not know what to do. You may even be worried that telling someone will make things worse.
Whatever is happening, you deserve to feel safe and respected. Bullying is not your fault.
Are You Safe Right Now?
If someone is hurting you or threatening you, move somewhere safer if you can and tell a trusted adult immediately.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or ask an adult to call for you.
If you need someone to talk to, you can contact Childline free on 0800 1111.
What Does Bullying Look Like?
Bullying can happen in different ways. It isn't always obvious to other people.
Hurtful Words
Someone repeatedly calls you names, mocks you, threatens you or says things to make you feel bad.
Physical Bullying
Someone pushes, hits, frightens you, takes your belongings or deliberately hurts you.
Being Left Out
Someone repeatedly excludes you on purpose, spreads rumours or encourages other people not to be your friend.
Online Bullying
Someone sends nasty messages, shares embarrassing content, threatens you or uses group chats to upset you.
Bullying can happen at school, in the playground, on the bus, during activities, in the street or online.
Even if you're not sure whether something counts as bullying, you can still ask for help if someone's behaviour is upsetting or frightening you.
What Can You Do If You're Being Bullied?
- Tell someone you trust.
This could be a parent, carer, teacher, school safeguarding lead or another adult who makes you feel safe. - Explain what has happened.
Tell them who was involved, what happened, where it happened and how it made you feel. You don't need to get every detail right. - Ask for help staying safe.
An adult can help you work out what should happen next and how to avoid further harm. - Keep a record if you can.
Write down incidents or ask an adult to help. For online bullying, save messages or screenshots when it is safe and appropriate to do so. - Keep asking until someone helps.
If the first person doesn't listen or the bullying continues, tell another trusted adult. You deserve to be taken seriously.
Worried About Telling Someone?
Sometimes speaking up feels frightening. You might worry that:
- The bullying will get worse.
- Someone won't believe you.
- Your parents will be upset.
- You'll lose a friendship.
- You won't know how to explain what's happening.
These worries are understandable. You can begin by saying something simple:
"Something is happening that's making me unhappy, and I need your help."
You can also write a note or message if talking feels too difficult.
Ask the adult what they will do to help keep you safe.
Bullying in the Playground or at School
School should be somewhere you can learn, play and spend time with friends without being frightened.
Find a Safe Adult
Tell a teacher, lunchtime supervisor or another trusted member of staff what is happening.
Stay Near Safe Places
If possible, spend break times near supportive friends, supervised areas or adults who can help.
Don't Feel You Must Fight Back
You don't need to hurt someone or put yourself in danger to prove you are brave.
Ask What Happens Next
A teacher should help you understand what steps will be taken to keep you safe and stop the bullying.
What If Someone Is Bullying You Online?
Cyberbullying can happen through social media, messaging apps, WhatsApp groups, online games or other websites.
If someone is upsetting or threatening you online:
- Don't feel you have to reply. You can stop the conversation.
- Save evidence. Ask a trusted adult to help you keep relevant messages or screenshots.
- Block or mute the person when it is safe to do so.
- Report the behaviour through the app, game or website.
- Tell a trusted adult so they can help you decide what to do next.
If someone is threatening you, blackmailing you or pressuring you to share private pictures, tell a trusted adult straight away. You won't get into trouble for asking for help.
Read our advice about cyberbullying for more information.
What If the Person Frightening You Is an Adult?
Sometimes an adult may behave in ways that make a child feel unsafe, frightened or humiliated.
If an adult is hurting you, threatening you or making you feel unsafe, you should tell another trusted adult.
If the adult is someone you would normally go to for help, you can speak to a different adult, such as a teacher, school safeguarding lead or someone at Childline.
You deserve protection and support, whoever is responsible.
What If Someone Else Is Being Bullied?
Seeing another child being bullied can be upsetting. You might want to help but worry about becoming a target yourself.
You can make a difference without putting yourself in danger.
- Tell a trusted adult what you've seen.
- Be kind to the person being bullied.
- Invite them to join you if they seem left out.
- Don't share hurtful messages, rumours or photographs.
- Don't join in just because other people are doing it.
Small acts of kindness can help someone feel less alone.
You Deserve to Feel Good About Yourself
Bullying can make you feel as though something is wrong with you.
But the way someone else treats you does not decide your worth.
You have your own interests, talents, strengths and qualities. You deserve friendships where you feel accepted and respected.
You don't have to pretend you're fine when you're upset, and you don't have to deal with everything by yourself.
With the right support, things can get better.
Where Can You Get Help?
Childline
Free, confidential support for children and young people in the UK.
Telephone: 0800 1111
NSPCC
Information and advice about keeping children safe, including help for adults who are worried about a child.
YoungMinds
Mental health information and support resources for children, teenagers and their families.
Act Against Bullying
Explore our guidance about bullying, friendships, exclusion and ways to find support.
Remember: You Are Not Alone
If someone is bullying you, you don't have to find all the answers today.
The most important first step is to tell someone who can help you feel safe.
You matter. You deserve kindness. And you deserve to be heard.
Act Against Bullying provides information and signposting, not an emergency response service. For immediate danger, call 999. Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.