Bullying - under 16s

The following script gives information and organisations that can help if you're being troubled by bullying or racist comments. Please note that freephone numbers may be charged for by some mobile phone services.

Bullying is always wrong. No one should have to put up with it, and you should never blame yourself for what has happened. Bullying can come in all shapes and forms, from teasing to threats to physical violence. Racism is a type of bullying that also takes various forms such as being ignored or left out, called names, threatened or physically attacked. Bullies also come in all shapes and sizes, girls and boys of all ages as well as adults or people in your family. Sometimes girls bully boys and younger children bully older children. This is nothing to be ashamed of and it is never your fault if someone bullies you.

It is important that you get help to stop the bullying as it can be really difficult to do anything about it on your own. Can you think of someone you feel comfortable talking to? Perhaps someone else at school or in your family, or one of your teachers? Your school should have a set of rules about bullying, called an anti-bullying policy.

If you're someone who bullies others, it's never too late to stop bullying and change your behavior. There's nearly always a reason why you behave as you do. It could be you're taking out your anger on other people because of stuff at home. Or perhaps your jealous of someone or don't understand why they're different from you. Whatever the reason you need help for yourself. Try to talk to someone or call one of the organisations for young people in this message., you don't need to give your name or any of your personal details.

ChildLine provides free and confidential counselling for anyone up to the age of 18 on 0800 11 11 (free, 24 hours a day every day). If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phone lines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through. There's more information, including the 10 top tips on beating bullying, on the website www.childline.org.uk You can also write to ChildLine, Freepost NATN 1111, London E1 6BR.

In Scotland, ChildLine have a special anti-bullying helpline which you can call 0800 44 11 11 (free, 24 hours a day every day).

There's a website with loads of information to help anyone dealing with a bullying problem, including those doing the bullying, at www.bullying.co.uk. Sometimes bullying can make you feel very unhappy and upset and that life isn't worth living, but you will come through it. You can email at anytime to help@bullying.co.uk

Bully Busters is an anti bullying helpline providing support for victims of bullying and their families living in the Merseyside area on 0800 169 6928 (free, weekdays 9am - 7pm). The information on their website is available to everyone, just go to www.bullybusters.org.uk

Parents who would like advice on helping their children can phone Kidscape's bullying counsellor on 08451 205 204 (local rate, Mondays & Tuesdays 10am - 8pm, Wednesdays - Fridays 10am - 4pm). You can also visit their website, which has helpful information for both children and adults at www.kidscape.org.uk

Racists are bullies. Racists can feel threatened by anyone who is from a different race, culture, religion or colour to themselves. There's a website about race, racism and life - as seen through the eyes of the Britkids at www.britkid.org

Young Minds have a booklet specially for young people going through a hard time at school called ‘In School, Stay Cool'. You can order a copy on the Young Minds orderline 0870 870 1721 or go to their website at www.youngminds.org.uk where you can download this and other useful leaflets.

The Monitoring Group provide information and support to victims of racial harassment, police misconduct and domestic violence. The Group run advice surgeries in London, Nottingham and Devon, to find opening times and locations go to www.monitoring-group.co.uk or call their confidential line 0800 374 618 (free, 24 hours a day every day).

The TeacherNet website shows teachers how to tackle a bullying problem through new ideas, practical techniques and the experiences of those who have been bullied, or have even bullied others. Find out more at www.teachernet.gov.uk

This message has been prepared by Future Media & Technology at Channel 4. Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.