What is bullying?

Bullying can take many forms:

• It can include foul language, teasing or saying untrue things about the person
• It can also be physical, for example pushing, hitting or kicking, and can include serious physical violence
• Bullying can involve taking money or other things from the victim, either by force or using pressure to persuade them
• Bullying using mobile phones includes sending unkind texts, filming or taking photos of the victim without permission
• Cyber-bullying is bullying on the internet, using email, instant messaging or social networking sites to intimidate, expose or spread rumours about others

Is bullying normal?

All children and young people fall out with their friends and classmates at times, and some teasing and name-calling may also be part of their normal friendships. But if the teasing is persistent and upsets the person it is aimed at, or if it tips over into harassment or physical violence, it can be very damaging and needs to be stopped.

Many children get involved in bullying at some time during their schooldays – they may be bullied themselves, they may bully someone else, or they may see a friend being bullied.

What harm does bullying do?

It can sometimes be difficult for adults to understand the distress and misery bullying causes, especially if the bullying is ‘only’ teasing or name-calling. But bullying can be very upsetting and can affect children and young people for a long time. A child or young person who is being bullied may come to believe they deserve it. They can feel isolated, anxious and angry. Bullying can lead to depression, self-injury and eating problems. If the bullying is happening at school they may make excuses so they don’t have to go to school, or get so anxious they cannot go in. This can affect their school work, friendships, and even their future prospects.

Being bullied regularly can be associated with problems later on in life as well. Some adults who were bullied when they were young can suffer from depression, anger problems and low self-esteem.

Being bullied can seriously affect a child's physical and mental health. This can include:

• Feeling sad and lonely
• Lacking confidence and feeling bad about themselves
• Becoming depressed
• Complaining of various physical symptoms e.g. Headaches, stomach aches
• Worrying and trying to avoid going to school