Coming Out of the other side of bullying

Young people are bullied for a variety of different reasons; it might be because someone is overweight, can't afford to buy the same clothes as everyone else in their school or doesn't have the right hairstyle. But some people are bullied for reasons that are part of who they are and are impossible to control - their name, the colour of their skin, even their sexuality.

A young person who is bullied because of their sexuality is 12% more likely to be absent from school due to bullying and more likely to drop out of education (NUT/Schools Out research). This video was created by Stonewall about a youth volunteer who, after being bullied in school, has used her experiences to run a campaign in Dorset.

Top Tips To Dealing With Bullying

The academic year has begun and children throughout the country are returning to school; starting new classes, spending time with old friends and for some, going back to a place where bullying happens every day. Bullying happens in school and the home (e.g. cyberbullying). It happens in the open and behind closed doors. It happens in groups and with individuals. No two incidents are identical.

But what is bullying?

Bullying is any action that has the intention to cause physical or emotional harm and happens regularly. It hurts, frightens and upsets people, and it doesn’t have to go on for a long time to do this.

Incidents of bullying can include:

• Kicking
• Name Calling
• Making Threats
• Spreading rumours
• Taking people’s things
• Leaving People Out
• Hitting
• Racism
• Nasty text messages

What are the signs of bullying?

Someone who is being bullied might:

• Not want to go to school.
• Begin truanting.
• Often feel ill.
• Suddenly become ill when it’s time for school.
• Be frightened to walk to and from school.
• Begin to lose interest in their schoolwork.
• 'Lose' possessions at school.
• Stop communicating with their parents (particularly after school).
• Change their behaviour, e.g. become aggressive, withdrawn, anxious, etc.
• Lose their appetite.
• Have regular nightmares and/or begin bed-wetting.
• Ask for money or begin to steal money.
• Bully younger brothers/sisters.
• Attempt suicide.

What to do if you are being bullied?

If you're being bullied follow this simple guide:

• Tell someone!!!
• We understand that you might be scared but sharing the problem gives you someone to talk to and someone to help you to sort it out.
• Remember: Telling someone that you are being bullied is NOT telling tales.
• Write down what is happening to you and how you feel about it in a diary.
• If you are scared, ask your parents to talk to your teacher.
• Tell your friends so that they can support you.
• DON’T fight back – you will only end up in trouble.
• DON’T blame yourself - remember no-one deserves to be bullied.

For more information about how to deal with bullying (including more detailed information about cyberbulying and homophobic bullying) visit our website: http://bullyfreezone.co.uk