What is bullying?

Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to have power over another person.

Some of the ways they bully other people are by: calling them names, saying or writing nasty things about them, leaving them out of activities, not talking to them, threatening them, making them feel uncomfortable or scared, taking or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do.

Have any of these things happened to you? Have you done any of these things to someone else? Really, bullying is wrong behaviour which makes the person being bullied feel afraid or uncomfortable.

Bullying takes many forms, and can include may different behaviours, such as:
• physical violence and attacks
• verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs
• threats and intimidation
• extortion or stealing of money and possessions
• exclusion from the peer group

Why do some people bully?

There are a lot of reasons why some people bully. They may see it as a way of being popular, or making themselves look tough and in charge. Some bullies do it to get attention or things, or to make other people afraid of them. Others might be jealous of the person they are bullying. They may be being bullied themselves.
Some bullies may not even understand how wrong their behaviour is and how it makes the person being bullied feel.

Why are some young people bullied?

Some young people are bullied for no particular reason, but sometimes it's because they are different in some way - perhaps it's the colour of their skin, the way they talk, their size or their name.
Sometimes young people are bullied because they look like they won't stand up for themselves.

Why is bullying harmful?

Some people think bullying is just part of growing up and a way for young people to learn to stick up for themselves. But bullying can make young people feel lonely, unhappy and frightened. It makes them feel unsafe and think there must be something wrong with them. They lose confidence and may not want to go to school any more. It may make them sick.

What can you do if you are being bullied?

Coping with bullying can be difficult, but remember, you are not the problem, the bully is. You have a right to feel safe and secure. And if you're different in some way, be proud of it! Stand strong.
Bullying is scary and embarrassing. It can make you feel as if it's your fault--it's not! Here are a few things to remember:

• You are not alone! Don't be afraid to tell an adunlt you can trust. Telling is not tattling! If you are afraid to tell your parents, then tell your grandparents, brothers or sisters, or a grown-up you trust. Even if you just want to talk about it, they will listen.
• This will end. You will not have to feel this bad forever!!
• Avoid bullies and places where they are. If you know a kid who doesn't like you, then stay away from them. Walk to school earlier or later. Take different paths to school to keep away from the bully.
• If the bully won't stay away from you then stay calm, ignore the bully and walk away. The bully wants you to get mad so don't. It's harder for the bully to bully you if you are not there.
• Don’t fight back or get mad. It'll make the bullying worse.
• Don’t be alone in the hallways, restrooms, empty classrooms, or playground.
• Walk to school earlier or later or walk with brothers, sisters, neighbours, or friends.
Take different paths to school to keep away from the bully. Don't be alone in the
hallways, restrooms, empty classrooms, or playgrounds.
• Hang out with friends. Bullies pick on kids who are alone.
• Join groups and find friends.
• Believe in yourself other kids will notice
• Don’t act scared - hold your head up, stand up straight, and don't look at the
ground or your feet. Slouching, looking at the ground or your feet, and fidgeting show that you're not sure of yourself. Hold your head up and stand up straight. Look confident bullies pick on you if they think you are afraid of them.
• Look around the school. You're probably not the only kid being bullied. Make
friends with other kids who are alone. Maybe you can help other kids.
• Sit close to the bus driver on the school bus.
• Don't get mad; get funny . It shows that you're not scared and humour can sometimes diffuse the situation
• Think of things to say ahead of time. Keep them short and don't say anything mean (don't be a bully yourself).
• Stay insight of teachers and other grownups when you are at school. If they can see you, they can help you.
• Don’t bring expensive stuff or lots of money to school. Bullies pick on kids who bring things they can take. It's not worth getting hurt. Things can be replaced but you can't!

What can you do if you see someone else being bullied?

If you see someone else being bullied you should always try to stop it. If you do nothing, you're saying that bullying is okay with you. t's always best to treat others the way you would like to be treated. You should show the bully that you think what they're doing is stupid and mean. Help the person being bullied to tell an adult they can trust.

Are you a bully?

Have you ever bullied someone else? Think about why you did it and how you were feeling at the time. If you are sometimes a bully, try to find other ways to make yourself feel good.
Most bullies aren't liked, even if it starts out that way. Remember, it's best to treat others the way you would like to be treated.

What You Should Tell Others?

• What happened to you and what you did
• Who bullied you and who saw it happen
• Where it happened and how often it happened
* Write down everything that happened to you in your diary. Don't forget to write about things that other kids and grownups did for you
• See your doctor. Ask them to write down any scrapes or bruises and show it to a grownup
• Keep a diary. Sometimes it helps to remember the good things that happened.
• Share your experiences and ideas about bullying through writing your story, through poetry, drawing and art, through music, animation and film

“Everyone has the right to be respected and the responsibility to respect others”