#SeptemberStudies- Being bullied at school

Bullying is a huge problem across the UK- across the world, in fact- and can affect anyone and everyone. 

With the growth of social media, it has become so much easier to bully people, acting as an online 'troll' where you can hide your identity whilst hurling abusive comments across the web. However, with this happening, it doesn't mean that physical bullying has ceased to exist. This is still as big an issue as ever. In fact, some could argue it's worse because there has been a cross over of physical bullying at school or work, which then continues outside of school and work online as cyber bullying. Some bullying incidents in person are even filmed or photographed and then shared online in some sick style of documentation.  

Long story short, bullying is still a problem. But if you're being bullied at school, college or university, what can you do? 

Tell someone

Yep, you've probably heard it one thousand times before, because it's the first thing anyone ever suggests- but that's with good reasoning. The bullying can't stop if you don't tell anyone that it's happening in the first place! Here's what you shouldn't do:

- Worry about the bullying getting worse because you've told someone.

- Worry about the bullies getting in trouble.

- Worry that the person you've told won't help you. 

The bullying will not get worse because you've told someone. It should actually help the bullying to stop, even if the process is very gradual. You definitely shouldn't worry about the bullies getting in trouble- they need to get in trouble for their disgraceful behaviour! And you definitely don't need to worry about someone not being able to help you. Someone will always be able to offer you advice- if you tell a friend, they can suggest an adult to tell. If you tell your parents, they can contact the school. Even if the person you're speaking too can't help you directly, they can definitely still help. 

There's a huge number of people you can speak to. You can speak to friends, family members, teachers, lecturers, other members of staff within your place of education, Childline and other bullying helplines. The list is endless. There is always someone there for you, and it will feel like a massive weight off of your shoulders once you've shared what's happening to you. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. 

Do not retaliate

By reacting the bullies, in probably an overly emotional way, you will just be playing up to their game and the bullies will probably enjoy watching you get so wound up. It will only spur them on to keep doing it. Furthermore, if they pushed you so far over the edge that you did something extreme, such as became physically aggressive to the bullies, you would then get in trouble yourself and that's just not worth it. 

Look after yourself

Physically, mentally and emotionally. Bullying can put you in a very bad place and that is through no fault of your own of course. It's important that you try as hard as you can to stay as healthy as you can. While it can be extremely difficult, try to focus on the more positive parts of your life- your loving family, how special your friends are, a loving partner, a hobby you're passionate about. Don't let it affect your grades, if it can be helped. Don't let it affect your mental or emotional health. Bullying can take you to dark places and you may feel very low and unstable. You might feel depressed, anxious or like you want to harm yourself. In cases like this, you should definitely speak your parents/guardian and/or a health professional. Looking after yourself is crucial because bullies will do everything they can to break you down. 

Don't blame yourself

Remember that bullying is never your fault. You never do anything to deserve bullying, you never ask to be bullied and there's nothing wrong with you either. Bullies aren't particularly selective about who they bully, they just do it. You must never try to find fault in yourself to try and find a reason as to why you're being bullied. It is nothing to do with you. 

Of course, all of these things are easier said than done. Bullies knock your confidence, can scare, intimidate and embarrass you. It's never an easy thing to deal with. But it is important to do all that you can to look after yourself in other ways and always confide in someone about what's happening. It could result in the bullies being removed from school, it could result in your moving away, it could result in you resolving your differences and moving on (hey, this does happen sometimes!). Either way, telling someone will help set things in motions to create a happier, more positive life for you. 

Do you have any tips on what to do if you're being bullied? Share them in the comments below to help someone out! 

Love from,

Florence Grace