Keep HGHS Bullyproof
Say "No" to bullying
Some people think bullying is a part of growing up, that it doesn't do any harm and helps you toughen up. Bullying is a problem for many young people. In a recent survey, one in five pupils said bullying was a problem for them. So, if you have a problem with bullying, you are not alone.
What is Bullying?
Bullying includes:
- Verbal (being called names)
- Social (no-one talking to you)
- Material (your things damaged)
- Mental (being threatened or forced to do things)
- Physical (being hurt)
Who gets picked on?
Anyone can be bullied and many young people get bullied for no reason.
Why do people bully?
People who bully are lacking in confidence, unhappy, jealous, and have been bullied themselves. The bullies bully because it makes them look tough, makes a group feel closer, to show off, gain attention or gain material things, get rid of their anger and get some fun out of other people's fears.
Why is it hard to talk about being bullied?
It's hard to talk about bullying because you may be nervous about what may happen to you from the bully, how people might see you, you don't want to worry people, you don't want to be a tell-tale and you may blame yourself.
What harm does bullying do?
Bullying can make you feel lonely, unhappy and make you feel something is wrong with you. You may lose your confidence, feel ill and take out your frustrations on your family.
Why do people get away with it?
There are a lot of reasons why people get away with bullying. Probably the biggest reason is that few people report it. Only one in three bullied pupils report it in school, and only one in two tells someone at home. It grows in secrecy and festers. Bullies threaten people not to say anything. Others think it is not worth bothering about it. Many young people do not want to be seen as a 'tell tale' or 'narker' or don't want to get involved. However, you are encouraging bullying if you ignore it or do nothing about it.
We have all got a part to play
We should not:
- stand by and watch
- encourage bullying
- give anyone a hard time because they are different
We should:
- do something if we see bullying (there are no innocent bystanders)
- show that we think its stupid
- try to help anyone who is being bullied
What can you do if you are bullied?
DON'T
- blame yourself - most people have been bullied at some time. So don't feel there is something wrong with you. You are NOT the problem, the bully is. Don't think you deserve to be bullied, it is not your fault
- think like a victim - if someone is making you feel bad about yourself, it is important to feel good about yourself. You might list and remind yourself about all the good things about you. Spend some time on your interests and skills. If you are different in any way - BE PROUD OF IT
- put yourself at risk - avoid risky places where bullying happens. For example, avoid being last in the changing rooms. If in danger, keep away. Leave expensive things at home and don't boast about money. Keeping safe is more important than losing things. Give up what they want if you are being threatened
- show you are upset - try not show you are upset, even though it is difficult. Don't provide fun for the bully
DO
- ignore it - you know that a bully will have problems of her own. Tell someone so that someone can do something to help her
- make friends - think about some interest you will like to learn about. This school has so many interests and hobbies to be part of. There is an opportunity to meet new people. A smile and hello to new people can go a long way to making a new beginning
- stay calm - think to yourself that what is happening is not acceptable. Don't react to the bully, ignore it then tell someone
- look confident - by looking as though the bully is not hurting you, or, if you are running away, don't give them the opportunity to laugh at your discomfort
- keep in control - this is not a case for 'an eye for an eye', don't get angry, stay in control, take a breath and move off in another direction
Remember - HGHS is a caring environment
Bullies need our help
BEING BULLIED IS NOT YOUR FAULT AND IS NOT A PART OF GROWING UP
IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED - THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE TO HELP
