What is (Cyber)Bullying?

Bullying is any behaviour that hurts someone else, whether it's physically or emotionally. It can involve pushing, hitting, name-calling, or making nasty comments. Bullying can happen anywhere: at home, school, or online. Remember, no one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad. It can happen to anyone, but you're not alone. There is support available to help you.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online or through smartphones and tablets. It happens on social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and other websites like Facebook, Xbox Live, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. With the rise of social media and online communication, cyberbullying is becoming more common. A survey by Ditch the Label found that 47% of young people have received nasty profile comments, and 62% have been sent hurtful private messages through smartphone apps.

Did you know....?

1 in 3 children experienced bullying in the past year.

1 in 5 children have experienced cyber bullying in the past year.

These figures were true as of 2017 and published in the 'Mental Health of Children and Young People Report'.

What To Do If You Are Getting Bullied

Tell Somebody

Tell anybody you trust—your parent or carer, a teacher you feel you can confide in, a friend or a sibling. You might also have access to a coach or a mental health professional. Don't go through this alone.

Be Assertive

It is okay to say no and to do so firmly. Stand up for yourself. Do not retaliate, but also do not walk away—unless you feel like you are in any immediate danger. Always be safe.

Keep A Diary

Keep a note of what is happening, and when. This can be evidence if you need it in the future. It might also help you to remember what happened, as sometimes difficult memories become hard to remember.

Take Breaks, Block and Report

If the bullying is happening online, use social media's block and report features to keep yourself and others safe at all times. Take a break from social media if it gets too much and do other things. 

Look After Yourself

This is a hard time for you. Make sure you practice good self-care, eat good meals, and treat yourself like you matter—because you do.

I Think I Might Be A Bully

Bullies are very often victims themselves in many ways. That doesn't mean it is ever okay to bully others. It's never okay—but it's not too late to stop.

Admit It

It's important to recognise your behaviour is a problem. Even if that is just to yourself at first. Be honest.

Apologise Sincerely

The second part of admitting it and taking responsibility, is to do so to the person or people you have wronged—tell them you are sorry.

Get Help

Bullies are often victims themselves who internalised the idea that they can keep themselves safe by bullying others—making sure they are never the target. Look at the helplines below.