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Being bullied, at school or online

Updated

Being bullied can make school, your phone and even your own room feel unsafe. It can be name-calling, being left out on purpose, rumours, threats, or someone getting physical.

Whatever form it takes, it is not your fault, and you do not have to handle it on your own. The person doing it is responsible for it, not you.

If it's happening online

  • Don't reply. Responding is usually what the person wants.
  • Take screenshots with the date showing, before anything gets deleted.
  • Block the accounts involved and report them to the app or site.
  • Check your privacy settings so only people you choose can contact you.
  • Show the screenshots to an adult you trust, so you are not holding it alone.

If it's happening at school

  • Write down what happened, when and where, and who saw it.
  • Tell a teacher, a school counsellor or another adult you trust. If the first person doesn't help, tell someone else.
  • Ask what will happen next, so there is a plan and not just a talk.
  • Stay near friends or in places with adults around when you can.

Looking after yourself while it's going on

Bullying tends to leave a voice behind that repeats what was said. It helps to spend time with people who like you as you are, to do things you are good at, and to say out loud, to someone, what is happening. Feeling angry, sad or scared about it is completely normal.

When to get more help

Talk to an adult you trust, a doctor or a helpline if:

  • Someone has threatened to hurt you, or has hurt you. Tell an adult straight away, and call the police if you are in danger.
  • You are scared to go to school, or you are skipping it to avoid someone.
  • The bullying has gone on for weeks and nothing has changed.
  • You have thoughts of hurting yourself or not wanting to be here. Please reach out to a helpline or an adult you trust now.

You don't have to work it out alone

Avelune is anonymous, so you can talk about what is happening without anyone from school knowing it is you. People there have been through bullying too, and the community is moderated to keep it kind.

Avelune is peer support, not a clinical service. This page is general information, not medical advice.