Bullying can be name-calling, physical violence, threats, being isolated from group activities and can also be online - on the internet and by mobile phone. If you are suffering bullying or your child is, you can beat the bullies.
Bullying
These websites all give advice on what you can do if you're being bullied at school, home or online.
- Childline - advice on bullying
- Bullying UK
- Kidscape - advice on bullying
- CBBC - an anti bullying expert answers your questions
Our guide for parents and carers also offers advice on how to tackle bullying.
Online bullying
Bullying doesn't have to be face to face; sometimes it can be done using technology – mobile phones, comments on websites, emails, texts etc. This is often called online or cyberbullying and you don't have to put up with this. Visit Childline and Kidscape for advice.
Be careful not to become a victim of cyberstalking or online stalking. The Think U Know site helps you work out what's good and what's not, online, and what to do if you're worried. Chat Danger is similar.
Domestic abuse
Sometimes you may be bullied because of domestic violence (where one grown up threatens or attacks another) going on at home. If you are a victim of this or you see or hear it happening at home, Childline has advice to help you and we also have a leaflet (PDF) that you may find useful. Also visit The Hideout and CBBC Newsround to hear what other young people have to say about domestic violence.
More advice is also available on the Surrey Against Domestic Abuse website
Advice for parents about bullying
Although schools take a lot of steps to stop bullying, parents and families can also help someone who is being bullied or who is a bully.
If your child is a bully, read family life charity Family Lives' advice on Bullying to understand why they may bully and what you can do to help them stop.
If your child is a victim of bullying, there are many websites giving advice on what you can do as a parent, including:
If your child has a disability and is experiencing bullying, Contact A Family, an organisation for families with children who are disabled, has a guide for parents.