A young person stands alone feeling left out by three friends standing together.

What to do if you’re being bullied at school

3 min read
13 November 2018

Topics mentioned: bullying, social media

Author: Calli

About: If you’re being bullied at school, you are not alone. Calli shares tips to make sure you get the support you deserve and the bullying stops.

It’s important to remember that the bullying will come to an end a lot quicker if you tell someone what’s going on.

School can be a scary place, for many reasons - maybe you’ve started a new year at school, moved to a different school, or you’re preparing for exams. Something that can also make a period of your school life scary is being bullied.

Unfortunately, bullying is all too common in schools. Here’s my advice on what you can do if you’re being bullied at school.

Block them on social media

If you’re on social media and find the bullying happens online as well as at school, hit that block, report or mute button.

Blocking the person bullying you on social media stops them accessing and contacting you online, which will make things a little easier.

Tell your parents

Telling your parents you’re being bullied can be a tough thing to do. But it’s also extremely brave and can be one of the best things you can do. Once you tell them, they can be supportive and help you bring the bullying to an end.

Teachers have a duty of care while you’re at school.

Tell a teacher

Sometimes telling a parent you’re being bullied just isn’t possible. If this is the case, I’d recommend telling a teacher you trust.

Teachers have a duty of care while you’re at school, and telling a teacher means they have to follow the right guidelines to ensure it's followed up and dealt with correctly.

Tell a friend

It can also be really helpful to tell a friend that you trust about the bullying. That way if the people who are bullying you approach you, your friend can act as a witness and can also go with you for support when you talk to a teacher.

Ignore them

As much as it’s tempting to answer back to people bullying you, the best thing you can do is ignore them. Responding to them is exactly what they’re looking for. If you ignore them, they’ll begin to learn that what they’re saying isn’t actually having as much impact as they first thought.

It won’t last forever and things will come to an end eventually.

Sadly, bullying is common in schools, but it’s important to remember that the bullying will come to an end a lot quicker if you tell someone what’s going on.

It’s also important to speak out. Bottling things up can make the whole situation a lot worse, so talk to people and remember it’s okay to say what’s happening. It won’t last forever and things will come to an end eventually.

Where to get help

If you're being bullied, or know someone who is, have a look at our guide on bullying for advice, as well as guidance on ways to get help.

Where to get help

However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.

  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7
  • The Mix

    Free, short-term online counselling for young people aged 25 or under. Their website also provides lots of information and advice about mental health and wellbeing. 

    Email support is available via their online contact form.

    They have a free 1-2-1 webchat service available during opening hours.

    Opening times:
    4pm - 11pm, Monday - Friday
  • Shout

    Text SHOUT to 85258.

    Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

    All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.

    Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

    Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

    Opening times:
    24/7

Thanks for sharing your story Calli

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