WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is harmful to all involved, not just the bullied and can lead to self-doubt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self-harm and sometimes even suicide.

Bullying generally fits into one of two categories: emotionally or physically harmful behaviour.

This includes: name-calling; taunting; mocking; making offensive comments; kicking; hitting; pushing; taking belongings; text messaging; emailing, gossiping; excluding people from groups; and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours.

Definitions are different and individuals have different experiences; however from the accounts we have heard from children and young people we consider bullying to be:

repetitive

wilful or persistent

intentionally harmful

carried out by an individual or a group

It is an imbalance of power leaving the victim feeling defenceless.

More than 1 in 5 severely bullied children living in London will attempt to take their own life

Beatbullying 2006