Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to another person to gain power over them. A bully might push you around or call you names, or they might be that mystery cyber troll. They could be threatening you, starting rumours about you, touching you when you don’t want them to, hurting you physically, stealing your stuff or abusing you online.
No-one deserves to be bullied. Bullying is a serious problem that can disrupt your life and lead to physical and emotional health problems.
What can I do?
Talk to someone
Tell a trusted family member, friend, sports team mate, church leader or school teacher what’s going on for you, especially if you feel like you are at risk of being hurt. If the person you have confided in is not sure how to help, keep talking things through with them, and involve others.
Apply bullying first aid
There are few things you can do at the time you are being bullied that might immediately help the situation or lessen the impact of bullying.
- Pause and breathe: take a slow breath, relax your shoulders, and steady yourself.
- Get to safety: move toward a safer place (near adults, friends, or a busy area).
- Use a short, calm response: say something simple like “Stop.” “Leave me alone.” “That’s not okay.” Then don’t argue.
- Walk away: if it’s safe, leave without engaging. Bullies often want a reaction.
- Stay with others: join friends or a group; avoid being alone if you can.
- Use a buddy: ask someone to walk with you, sit with you or stay close.
- Seek help immediately: tell a trusted adult/staff member right away (teacher, coach, supervisor, manager).
- Save evidence: keep messages, dates, times, locations and names (or screenshots).
- Use a pre-planned exit line: “I’m going to class now,” “I need to go,” then leave.
- Trust your instincts: if you feel unsafe or threatened, treat it as urgent and get help fast.
- Reach out for support afterwards: talk to someone you trust and do something that helps you calm down (water, walk, grounding).
- Don’t attack others – you’ll just become a part of the problem.
Where to get help
Get free support now and check out free online self-help tools.
Learn more about how to deal with bullying online.
You can also check out Pink Shirt Day for more information.
