A story about bullying

Jack is struggling with being called names, his ‘friends’ say it is just banter but Jack feels it is more than that. Many children and teens are bullied daily, bullying takes different forms sometimes physical or emotional, sometime face to face or online. One thing all these forms have in common it the negative and hurtful impact they have on the victim.

“I have always been tall for my age, at primary everyone used to laugh as Toby (who was my best friend)  was much shorter than me.

He went to a different school, and I don’t see him much now just at footy. 

I have made some new friends at secondary school, but they make comments. If we are going to the canteen, they say hurry up before Jack gets there all the donuts will be gone. When I said I went swimming at the weekend they asked if it caused a tsunami. Everyone laughs when they make jokes at my expense, and I did too but I wanted to run and cry. I am a man’s size medium but tall and size 9 shoe! When I had a check-up in primary, they said I wasn’t overweight for my height even if they did it wouldn’t make any difference people are still making fun of me and then saying, ‘it is just banter’ It really is impacting my self-confidence.”

How Jack can get help

What Jack is describing is bullying and it needs to stop. If the bullying is happening online, screen shot the messages and take them to a parent or teacher or even the police, It could be a criminal offense if found to be harassment. 

If the bullying is happening in school, speak to your tutor, a trusted member of staff or your year manager. 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/

https://actagainstbullying.org/for-under-18s/

Do you need help?

  • Humberside Police

    Humberside Police – If you have concerns about someone’s wellbeing, please report to the police on 101 or dial 999 if it’s an emergency.

  • ceop

    CEOP – If you’re worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating online, if you have been a victim or are worried this is happening to someone you know, this can be reported safely and securely to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) through their experienced Child Protection Advisors.

  • Crimestoppers

    Crimestoppers – reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Childline

    Childline – if you have any worries about a child or young person. Call free on 0800 1111, or have a 1-2-1 chat online or send an email via their website at www.childline.org.uk any time of the day or night.

  • NSPCC - 24/7

    NSPCC – 24/7 line for for adults and young people to express concerns they may have in relation to child sexual exploitation (CSE), 0800 389 1701
    NSPCC – 24/7 adult helpline covering all child protection issues, 0808 800 5000

  • Fearless.org

    Fearless.org – Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. What makes this site different is we also provide you with a safe place to give information to us about crime – 100% anonymously.

Or she can speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, grandparent, teacher, youth or social worker who can use this website to figure out how best to get help in this very dangerous situation.