Five Things You Need To Know About Bullying

02/07/2015
Taylor Carew

You would be alarmed if you knew how common bullying is. Taylor reflects on the facts around, what you can do and where in Bristol offers help.

Did you realise 45,000 children talked to ChildLine about bullying last year? And 44% of people who are bullied are bullied at least once a week.

1. THERE ARE FIVE TYPES OF BULLYING… and they can happen anywhere

Bullying can take place anywhere.

Bullying can take place anywhere. The most common places for bullying to happen are in secondary schools and colleges. Bullying normally happens in five different ways, verbal, physical, cyber, social and psychological.

Verbal: involves the use of negative words, like name calling, insults, homophobic or racism. The words are intentionally used to upset someone.

Physical: when physical actions happen repeatedly. For example hitting, tripping someone up or pushing, are used to hurt and intimidate.

Cyber: this is when technology is used to verbally, socially or psychologically bully. Cyberbullying is the most common form of bullying which happens regularly through social media. For example Facebook and ask.fm

Social: when lies, the spreading of rumours or nasty pranks are used.

Psychological: involves the repeated and intentional use of words or action which can cause psychologically bully. Examples include intimidation, manipulation and stalking.

2. It can happen to anyone

Bullying is very common in that it can happen to anyone.

Bullying is very common in that it can happen to anyone. From a very young age I was bullied for not being a ‘average sized’ girl, mostly experiencing psychological and verbal bullying. While I was being bullied it took me a very long time to deal with it. I tried very hard not to retaliate. My life has changed a lot from then to now. I have tried many things but now I am on the right track that works for me. I have now joined a gym and am following a very balanced diet. Also I have tried counselling but that wasn’t helping and sometimes made me feel worse. Instead I am having hypnotherapy sessions which can help to re-train your conscious from negative thoughts to positive thoughts.

3. If you’re the victim it’s not your fault

When people are being bullied they blame themselves rather than the bully.

When people are being bullied they blame themselves rather than the bully. This is because many people don’t know why they are being bullied and they feel that they may of upset the bully for this to happen. Also, as a victim, you want the bullying to stop so you think that by staying quiet and blaming yourself the bully will stop. However by blaming yourself you’re making the whole situation difficult because you will think it is acceptable for them to carry on while you are suffering.

4. My top tips

Don’t retaliate. this way they will eventually stop because they will realise that you aren’t bothered (or at least they will think that). If you feel like you need to say something the best way is to laugh it off and say ‘I’ve heard it all before’.

Don’t show sad or angry emotions in front of them. This way, eventually they won’t get the incentive to keep saying or harming you because they’re not getting a reaction from you.

Tell someone you trust, tell an adult you trust. This way they can help you cope with being bullied.

Tell your friends or make new friends. You need people around you who can support you when times are tough. This means you’re mind will be focused on something else and friends are the perfect people to have fun with and forget about the bad times for a while.

5. Places you can go for advice and help in Bristol

Brook: this is a clinic set up for sexual health but they also offer counselling sessions for young people.

Off The Record: this is a purely set up for counselling which offers advice for young people on any troubles and worries they may be faced with in life.

ChildLine: this is a free phone service that anyone can ring and they offer advice that could really help you in times of need.

I really hope this article hasn’t affected you. If it has, I’m sorry. I hope reading it helped. Thank you to Taylor for bravely sharing her story and tips with us. If you want to carry on the conversation about bullying, tweet us your top tips for dealing with this (legal ways please): @rifemag

‘To Vote, Always To Vote’ by Huw James

External Links:

Amnesty International Bristol Group

Bristol City Youth Council

1625 Independent People