Bullying — under 16s

The following script gives information and details of organisations that can help if you are being bullied, or if you are the one bullying someone else. The phonelines to some of these organisations are very busy, but please keep trying. 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 is happening or has happened. Bullying comes in all shapes and guises, from teasing to threats and physical violence. Bullies also come in all shapes and forms, including girls and boys of all ages, as well as adults or people in your family. Girls sometimes 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, especially 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 there is someone at school or in your family, or one of your teachers you could talk to. If you are at school, your school should have a set of rules about bullying and an anti-bullying policy.

Children and young people up to 18 can speak to someone at ChildLine about anything that is causing them distress. Call ChildLine on 0800 11 11 (any time of the day or night). Calls are free and confidential. The lines can be really busy, so you may need to ring a few times before you get through. There's more information, including the 10 top tips on beating bullying on their website at www.childline.org.uk. You can also write to ChildLine, Freepost NATN 1111, London E1 6BR.

In Scotland, ChildLine has a special anti-bullying helpline on 0800 44 11 11 (Mondays to Fridays 3.30pm-10pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2pm-8pm).

The NSPCC free helpline is on 0808 800 5000 (24 hours a day) and receives many calls from children about all sorts of things that are making them unhappy, including being bullied. There's lots of information on their website, including advise for young people worried about someone being bullied. If you have access to the web, there’s useful information at www.nspcc.org.uk. You can also send an e-mail to help@nspcc.org.uk.

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 and if you're in Scotland you'll find lots of useful help on the young people's section of The Anti-bullying Network's website at www.antibullying.net.

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 you can go to their website at www.youngminds.org.uk.

The DFES have a website that shows pupils, their families and 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.dfes.gov.uk/bullying.

There's a Channel 4 website with lots of information on a variety of topics at www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/family/sis_bullying.html.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.

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