What to do if you are a child who is being bullied

Get help and advice about bullying if you are being bullied by other pupils. Find out how to stop it and get help.

• Making positive change 

Definition of bullying

There is no legal definition of bullying however there are three agreed defining features of bullying:

• the victim is targeted by an individual or group on a regular basis (it is repeated)
• there is intention to harm or humiliate physically or emotionally
• there is a power imbalance, the victim is fearful of those targeting him or her

When all of the above are happening, it is highly likely that this is a bullying situation.

What you should do

If you are being bullied the most important thing to do is to tell someone, preferably an adult you can trust. You have the right to be safe from harm. No one deserves to be bullied and there are things that can be done to help you. 

Websites you might find helpful

• Help and advice to families
• Childline is a national charity with free online and telephone support to children and young people, with any problem or concern they may have
• CEOP's thinkuknow website contains the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what’s good, what’s not and what you can do about it. Most importantly, there’s also a place which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or worried about someone they are chatting to online
• YoungMinds – Mental Health Support For Young People

Page last reviewed: 05 June 2024