A girl sitting down alone with her phone.
Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly says or does things to hurt or control another person.

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.

Forms of bullying

A fist shown in motion of hitting

Physical

  • Physical bullying includes any physical contact which could hurt or injure a person.
  • Pushing, hitting and kicking are some forms of physical bullying.
Mouth shown shouting censored words

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.

A mobile device shown with a sad expression

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.

Is there a trusted adult you can talk with about how you are feeling? Childline is always here to listen.

Check these out too:

A teenage girls reflected in a section of mirror above her head.

What happens when YOU are the biggest bully in your life

Bullying is a traumatising experience for anyone who has been through it. But what if the bullying isn’t coming from
> Read More

How to deal with Toxic People in life

Associating with toxic people can be physically and mentally draining, filling your life with stress and negativity
> Read More
A boy with a sad expression resting his head against a window looking out to the rain.

What is Social Exclusion?

Research has shown that social exclusion can have a detrimental effect on your mental health, including the loss of self-esteem.
> Read More