What to Tell Children if they are Being Bullied

What to Do

Act as confident as you can. Face them and tell them clearly to stop. Try and be calm and move away from them.

Don’t Hit Out

If someone is bullying you don’t try to hit/kick them. You may get badly hurt in a fight and even if you don’t, the bully can sometimes use how you hit them against you, and make it seem like you are the bully.

If They Call You Names

If they tease you or slag you off, try and laugh it off. Don’t let them see that they have hurt you. Bullies like to get a reaction, if they don’t get one there is no point in them bullying you.

Remember, It’s Not About You

Often people who bully other people do it to make themselves feel better, because they are unhappy, at school or at home. Remember that they have the problem not you. Don’t believe what they say to you, and don’t blame yourself.

Tell Your Friends//People You Can Trust In Class

Tell them what is going on and how you feel. Ask them to come with you to tell a teacher if you are afraid. Ask them to stand up with you against the bully.

Tell Someone

If you’re being bullied, try and tell someone about it.
Talk to:
- your parents
- someone in your family
- your teachers
- a helpline
If your school has a peer mediation or mentoring programme try to use it. No one can help you if you don’t tell them.

Don’t hit back with violence

Getting into a physical fight with someone can be dangerous. If you are afraid to tell because it might make things worse, tell the person you talk to that you are afraid if they do anything it might make it worse, ask them to find a way to help you deal with it that won’t.

What to Say When you Tell

- Tell them what has happened
- Who is doing it
- How often it has happened
- Did anyone hear or see what went on
- What have you tried to do about it

Source: Anti Bullying Centre, TCD
Return to our section focussing on Bullying