Bullying (Young People)

Bullying is when someone does mean things to hurt you.

This can include:

• Saying mean things to you.
• Telling lies to get you into trouble.
• Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing, and shoving you.
• Stealing your things or money.
• Breaking your stuff.
• Trying to take your friends away from you.
• Saying bad things about you to others.
• Scaring you with threats.
• Making scary or mean phone calls.
• Sending mean texts or online messages.
• Writing bad things about you on the internet.

This might make you:

• Feel scared and alone.
• That you don’t want to go to school.
• Pretend to be sick to avoid them.

Things you can do to help:

• Tell a parent/guardian, friend or teacher
• Write things down or record voice notes about the bullying.
  • Show your teacher or parents/guardians.
• Try not to get back at the person bullying you.
  • This could get you into trouble and put you at more risk.
• Be around people who make you feel safe and good about yourself.
• Don’t blame yourself.
• Being bullied is never your fault!

What to do if you're bullied online

• Only give your number to people you trust.
• Tell your parent/guardian or teacher if you get threatening or abusive calls or texts.
• You can stop unwanted texts by blocking the number.

Go to the Police if the messages do not stop

• It's a crime to send offensive or threatening messages.
• Record calls or screenshot texts as evidence if you can.
• Call 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies.

Tips to keep yourself safe on the internet 

• Be careful when using the internet.
• Online bullies might use message boards to target you.
• Only give your number to people you trust in real life.
• Never meet someone you met online by yourself.

Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers are especially vulnerable to bullying and 

Racism

• Under the Equality Act 2010:
  • Discrimination against Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers is considered racism.
  • This should be treated as such.

High rates of abuse

• Data shows that 90% of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller pupils either:
  • Experience racial abuse.
  • Or expect it.

Schools' responsibility

• The Department for Education says:
  • Schools must actively work to prevent bullying against ethnic minorities.
  • This includes Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers:
    • (Willers. M & Johnson. C. Gypsy and Traveller Law 2020).

Anti Bullying Alliance

• Service: Coalition united against bullying.
  • Friends, Families, and Travellers is a core member.

Childline

• Service: For young people under 18.
• Phone: 0800 1111.
  • Open 24/7
  • The number will not show up on the phone bill.

Family Lives

• Service: For parents and carers.
• Phone: 0808 800 2222.

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

• Service: Advice and support for parents/adults.
• Phone: 0808 800 5000.
  • Open Monday to Friday.
  • 11.00am to 5.00pm.
• Report abuse online here.