Calm's guide to
bullying

What you need to
know about BULLYING

• Behaviour that hurts someone else. It includes name calling, physically hurting someone, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone.
• Bullying is often associated with children but in reality it can happen anywhere and to any one. At school, at home or online.It’s usually repeated over a long period of time and can be physical or emotional.

Bullying can happen anywhere and at any time. In fact, most people get bullied at some point in their life.

It’s not just something that happens at school. It can be at home, at work, even somewhere like a football club. You might not even realise you’re being bullied. You might just feel that people are picking on you, that you’re the butt of their jokes and you’re feeling down and worthless because of it. None of that is ok.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of being bullied talk to CALM here.

How does bullying impact your mental health?

• Decreasing or lack of self-confidence
• Being wary or suspicious of other people and unknown places
• Signs of depression and/or anxiety
• Changing sleep patterns due to worry
• Becoming more introverted and not socialising as much

People who are bullied often feel that they’ve done something to make them stand out, that in some way it’s their fault. It isn’t. These beliefs and some of the nasty comments that other people in the situation make can have a big impact on how someone feels.

DEALING WITH BULLYING

Most schools and workplaces have anti-bullying rules. They are there to be used, so use them. It’s not always easy, but it will be worth it. You aren’t to blame for the treatment you are receiving, so you don’t have to accept being a victim. Remember that the people who are treating you badly are the ones with a problem, not you.

Bullies pick on people because they think they can get away with it. It’s not easy to stand up to bullies, and if you’re struggling, tell someone you trust about what’s happening.

If there isn’t anyone to talk to, you don’t feel listened to, or you don’t feel up to talking about it with someone you know, call CALM. We’re here to listen, not to judge, and we can offer you support and help you come up with ideas about how you might be able to put a stop to it.

Finding support if you are being bullied

There are lots of places you can go for advice and help:

• The CALM helpline is open everyday 5pm-midnight no matter what
• National Bullying Helpline provides content and advice