What is bullying?

Info and Advice

Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly says or does things to hurt or control another person.

A teenage girl receives a bullying message on her phone

Bullying can happen to anyone

Bullying exists in many different forms. It can happen to anyone and it can happen anywhere. While some forms of bullying may not be as obvious as others, they can be just as damaging.

Talking helps!

FreePhone

1800 66 66 66

FreeText

50101

Live

Message

Forms of bullying

An image of a hand striking out in anger

Physical

Physical bullying includes any physical contact which could hurt or injure a person

Pushing, hitting and kicking are some forms of physical bullying

An illustration of a mouth speaking in an angry way

Verbal

Verbal bullying often involves name-calling or making nasty remarks about a person or their friends or family

Threatening, name-calling and teasing are all forms of verbal bullying

An illustration of a phone with a sad face

Cyber

Cyber-bullying happens through texts, social media posts or in other ways which use technology

Sending nasty messages, sharing upsetting photographs and spreading rumours about people online are all forms of cyber-bullying

Find out more about cyberbullying here and about how to stay safe online here

Nobody has the right to bully others

If you are being bullied, if you see bullying at your school or club, or if you have bullied others and would like to change, you can get support.

Contact Childline

Childline is always here to listen and to support you. You can call Childline on 1800 66 66 66 (24 hours a day), text Childline on 50101 (10am – 4am every day) or chat with Childline online