Dealing with social bullying

What is social bullying?

Social bullying is the persistent harassment of someone spreading rumours and made-up stories to humiliate a person and ruin that person's reputation. This is done behind the person's back.

How can a young person deal with social bullying?

The young person should:

• Tell someone what has been happening - this could be a parent/guardian, a friend, a teacher in school.

• Have good friends who will stand up for the person or sensitively tell the person if they hear any of the rumours.

• Consider talking to someone at an organisation that can give advice and help with the bullying experience such as:

- Bully Busters

- ChildLine

- Kidpower

- Lifeline

- Samaritans