Bullying

Signs someone’s being bullied:
• They become unhappy or withdrawn.
• They start missing school.
• They’ve got physical injuries they don't want to talk about or try to hide.

Are you being bullied?
• It probably won’t stop until you tell someone you trust.
• Act confidently to send out the message that you're not afraid.
• Stay with others - you’re more likely to be picked on if you’re on your own.
• Keep a diary and keep all text messages as evidence of what happens. If you need to you can use it later.
Is your friend being bullied?
• Take their worries seriously.
• Stick up for them.
• They might want you to be with them for support when they tell their parents, carers or teacher.

Bullying Includes
· Name calling
· Making things up to get you into trouble
· Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing and shoving
· Taking things away from you
· Damaging your belongings
· Stealing your money
· Taking your friends away from you
· Cyberbullying - posting insulting messages on the Internet or by Instant Messenger (IM)
· Spreading rumours
· Threats and intimidation
· Making silent or abusive phone calls
· Sending you offensive phone texts
· Bullies can also frighten you so that you don't want to go to school, so that you pretend to be ill to avoid them

“I used to get a text saying that they will be waiting to get me at school but they got bored when I ignored them.”
Bullying at school can often be things like name-calling, hitting, or stealing someone’s things. It also includes stuff that’s less visible, like sending nasty texts or spreading gossip about someone. People get picked on for lots of reasons. Being bullied can make you dread going to school, and can also make you feel depressed, lonely and even suicidal. If you're being bullied, you're not alone. You might feel that there's no way out, but there are lots of ways to get help. If people are making nasty remarks about you then it may be because they are jealous. Perhaps you're better looking than they are or work harder or perhaps the teachers like you better. One way of dealing with remarks is simply ignore them each time so that you show them that it isn't having the effect of upsetting you in the way they think. Bullies are cowards, who are only in control when they are part of a group of bullies. The bullies will have worked out what buttons to push to make you upset. Don’t try to hide it or ignore it - tell a friend, tell a teacher and tell your parents. It won't stop unless you do.

VALREC

If you have been bullied, harassed or discriminated for any reason? VALREC can help, the Valleys Regional Equality Council are dedicated to offering advice and support to those who need it

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