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Bullying

If you're being bullied, whether it's online or at school, university or work, it can be tough and really hurtful. We’re here to offer advice on reaching out and getting the support you need.

What is bullying?

If somebody keeps hurting you or using nasty words against you, that’s bullying. Bullying can be a one-time thing, or it can go on for a long time. And it can happen to anyone.

Here are some types of bullying that people experience:

  • Homophobic bullying

    Being hurtful about your sexual orientation.

  • Racist bullying

    Being hurtful about your skin colour or ethnicity.

  • Religious bullying

    Being hurtful about your beliefs or faith.

  • Sizeist

    Being hurtful about your body size.

  • Sexist bullying

    Being hurtful about your sex, like saying mean things about you being a girl.

  • Cyberbullying

    Targeting you online, often anonymously.

Getting help for bullying

Ignoring bullying won’t make it go away. Whether the bullying is happening at school, outside of school or online, you need to tell someone.

Here are some people you can talk to:

  • your parents or carers
  • a teacher
  • close relatives like grandparents, aunties, uncles or cousins
  • a youth worker
  • a faith leader

It might not stop the first time you tell someone, but don’t give up. Keep reporting the bullying until it stops. Don’t put up with it – no one deserves to be bullied.

If you’re a parent or carer of a child or young person who’s being bullied, we can support you through our Parents Helpline. We’re here to listen and give you free, confidential advice.

Parents Helpline

We also have more information and advice for parents and carers in our guide.

Guide to bullying for parents and carers

Bullying at school

If you’re being bullied at school, tell a teacher. They might not know you’re being bullied until you tell them. Once they know, they can put things in place to deal with the bullying.

If you can’t speak to a teacher, maybe a friend can do it for you. You could also talk to a school counsellor, welfare officer or nurse.

In extreme cases, it may be possible for you to change schools. This is only if it’s affecting your education and if the bullying doesn’t stop after you’ve reported it.

backshot of two young people wearing winter jackets with face unseen looking at their phone while sitting on a bench beside the street
When I spoke out, I realised that it wasn’t just me that had gone through this, there were thousands of people who had felt the way I did and were in the same position as me. This made me realise I needed to do something about it. I never wanted anyone to feel the way I had.
Chloe
How I coped with online bullying

Cyberbullying

A girls listening to music sat on a wall in the park.

Cyberbullying is when someone bullies you online. This can be posting mean content about you on social media, leaving nasty comments on your posts, or sending you upsetting messages. Online bullying can be just as upsetting as bullying in person, and it’s never okay.

If something online is upsetting you, speak to an adult you trust. Even if it seems like a small thing, sharing it can really help. And it’s the first step to making it stop.

Here are some tips to help you have a better time online:

For more information about keeping safe online, take a look at our guide to social media and mental health.

Social media and mental health

Real stories and advice on bullying

Get help now

Whatever you're going through, you don't have to go through it alone. Here are some organisations who 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
    Childline

  • Samaritans

    Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Samaritans

  • 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
    Shout

More information and advice

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

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Please do not include personal details. This is not a mental health support service and you will not receive a reply.

Please note:

This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you are at risk of immediate harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about your mental health, call: Childline (for under 19s) on 0800 11 11; or Samaritans on 116 123.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you’d like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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