What is bullying?

Bullying stinks – if it’s happened to you or is happening you’ll know how it can feel. It can take on many forms:

• Teasing and name calling
• Damaging somebody's stuff
• Spreading rumours about somebody
• Leaving someone out of a group
• Threatening someone or beating them up
• Silent phone calls or abusive texts or email can be just as distressing as being bullied face-to-face.

People are bullied for lots of different reasons. They might be picked on because they're quiet, good looking, they’re of a certain religion or because of the place they come from.

Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that bullying is not normal. No one deserves to be bullied - simple as that.

National Anti-Bullying Week - Stay Safe in Cyberspace

During this year's National Anti-Bullying Week there were lots of things going on all over Hull. Have a look at the Anti-Bullying page to find out more. This year's theme was Stay Safe in Cyberspace. Cyberbullying is when mobile phones and the Internet are used to deliberately upset someone.

Download the Anti-Bullying Alliance's Top Tips to find out how to stay safe online.

If you feel you are being bullied:

• Try to stay calm and look as confident as you can
• Be firm and clear – look them in the eyes and tell them to stop
• Get away from the situation as quickly as possible and
• Tell an adult what has happened straight away or if you do not feel comfortable telling an adult, talk to another pupil.

If you have been bullied:

• Tell a teacher or another adult in your school (your head of year, form tutor or learning mentor will all be able to help
• Tell your family
• If you are scared to tell a teacher or an adult on your own, ask a friend to go with you
• Keep on speaking until someone listens and does something to stop the bullying and
• Don’t blame yourself for what has happened.

What help can I get?

Don’t blame yourself for what has happened.

You can get help to make this stop. When you are talking to an adult about bullying be clear about:

• How often is has happened
• Who was involved
• Who saw what was happening
• Where it happened
• What you have done about it already.

You can talk to people about bullying at:

RAPP in Hull - contact (01482) 225855 or look at the website www.rapp-hull.co.uk. Also call to find out about the BOB group - a campaign and support group for children and young people experiencing bullying.

The Warren in Hull – contact (01482) 218115

The Community Anti-bullying Project's helpline - 08009 154545

Or check out these websites or helplines:

NSPCC free 24 hour Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – someone will listen to your worries.

Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.

Bullying UK

Bully Free Zone

www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

www.stonewall.org.uk

www.childnet-int.org