I’m being called names every day

It sounds as though you're being bullied.

A recent survey reckoned 7 out of 10 kids suffer from bullying. See the CBBC news website.

So, although it may not feel like it, you’re not on your own.  And it’s certainly not because of anything you do, or the way you look.  It could just as easily be anyone. Although bullies may pick on people who seem different, they just mean not like them.  And think how awful it’d be if everyone WAS !

But, although years ago it might have been seen as ‘just part of growing up’, it isn’t anymore.  So DON’T put up with it. There are lots of things you can do, but start by telling someone.  Doesn’t matter who - your mum or dad, a teacher you like or a friend’s mum.  Anyone older you find easy to talk to and trust.  

If you’re not happy speaking to anyone directly, there’s lots of helplines (link to page of numbers etc) you can call or email.  ChildLine gets more calls about bullying than anything else. The ideal is someone who’ll help you decide what to do but let you talk about how it makes you feel too. Someone it’s ok for you to cry with or shout with if it helps.  

Whoever you talk to, if the bullying isn’t too bad you may decide on ways to respond yourself.  There are lots of sites (link to further info page, or one or two sites directly eg yahoo kids?) that suggest different strategies you can try.  But if it’s really bad then your school needs to act – and by law they have to.  So get your mum or dad to speak to them.  If they’re nervous about this, show them our page for parents. (link)

Remember: whatever the person picking on you says, telling someone WILL help…


Date: 21 June 2007