BULLYING
Reach out and get help and advice about bullying
What is bullying?
Bullying is when a person or group deliberately tries to make someone feel upset, scared or ashamed. People can be bullied because of being different, maybe because of how they look, their race, ability or identity.
The bullying may include name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening, taking money or things from you or physically excluding you from the group. It can also be online such as posting images of you without your permission, making hurtful comments, excluding you from group chats, trolling or embarrassing you online.
It is not your fault and you should report it and seek help as soon as you can.
Where can bullying happen?
It can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online.
It can be a one off or it can be repeated over a long period of time and can hurt both physically and emotionally.
The effects of bullying and how you might feel
The effects of bullying can last into adulthood. You might:
- feel lonely
- isolate yourself from friends
- stop doing things you enjoy
- feel physically sick/ get stomach aches or headaches
- have low confidence and low self esteem
- be wary and suspicious of others
- avoid going to the places (school, clubs, online) where bullying takes / took place
What can you do if you're being bullied?
- Talk about it: Telling someone how you feel can be tough, but it can really help you feel less alone. Remember it is not your fault.
- Let your feelings out: Bottling up your feelings can make them hard to cope with. But there are lots of ways you can let them out. Why not try: drawing, colouring or anything creative.
- Get into a healthy routine: Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy, spend time doing things you enjoy and surround yourself with people that make you happy.
More advice
Build your confidence: Things can change and there are ways you can build your confidence. recognise you shouldn’t feel guilty or responsible for the bully’s actions. There are ways you can build your confidence like hanging out with people that make you feel good, tell yourself you are amazing, and list all the things you love about yourself, Join new groups away from the bullies. Talk to people more about how you are feeling. Choose to do things that makes you feel happy.
If someone is bullying you online: Be sure to tell a trusted adult like a family member, teachers or other school staff. Do not retaliate to the bullies, instead take a screen shot of what is happening, so you have proof and show this to your trusted adult who can then take appropriate action. Cyber bullying is a crime also known as eCrime and this can be reported to the police by calling 101
You can find help and support at your local Children First Hub
Castleford/Pontefract Hub
Airedale Children’s Centre : Tel: 01977 724 350
Email: cfhnortheast@wakefield.gov.uk
Featherstone / South East Hub
Platform 1 : Tel 01977 722 305
Email: cfhsoutheast@wakefield.gov.uk
Central Wakefield Hub
City Limits : Tel 01924 303 272
Email: cfhwakefieldwest@wakefield.gov.uk
Normanton and Rural Hub
Block A, Normanton Town Hall : Tel 01924 307 878
Email: cfhmidwakefield@wakefield.gov.uk
Anti-Bullying Week Resources
Resources
Compass Wakefield Helps children, young people and families facing low mood, friendship problems, bullying, online bullying or feeling angry, lonely or sad before things get worse. Text BUZZ to 85258 for text messaging support, call 01924 665 093 or send off a referral form
Childline You can call 0800 1111 and speak to someone that will offer advice or go online where you will find lots of useful information.
Think U Know Protects children both online and offline. You can even play games that will help with keeping safe online
EACH EACH has a freephone Helpline for children experiencing homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying or harassment: 0808 1000 143. It’s open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm
Bullying.co.uk Get advice and support whenever you need it, you can also call the helpline on0808 800 2222
Direct Gov Information for young people on cyber bullying, bullying on social networks, Internet and email bullying, bullying on mobile phones and more.
Night OWLS
Confidential support line for children, young people, and parents/ carers. Available 8pm–8am every day.
Freephone 0800 1488 244
Text: 07984 392700
Click here to find our more or to go to the Night OWLS online messenger.
Wakefield Safe Space
Provides support for anyone in crisis (16+). Phone, Zoom and Face to face support. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm-12am- Caduceus House, WF1 4JZ
Phone: 07776 962815
Your Best Friend Empowering all 13-24 year old girls, young women, and non-binary people with knowledge and confidence to help their friends
