What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour that can be physical, verbal, or relational, in-person or online. Bullies are often relentless, bullying over and over again for long periods of time. You may live in constant fear of where and when the bully will strike next, what they’ll do, and how far they’ll go. It can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. It's usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally.

Types of Bullying 

Bullying can take different forms. It could include: 

• Physical bullying: hitting, slapping, or pushing someone 
• Verbal bullying: name calling, gossiping, or threatening someone 
• Non-Verbal bullying: hand signs or text messages 
• Emotional abuse: threatening, intimidating, or humiliating someone 
• Exclusion: ignoring or isolating someone 
• Undermining, constant criticism or spreading rumours 
• Controlling or manipulating someone 
• Making silent, hoax or abusive calls 

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Unlike bullying offline, online bullying can follow the child wherever they go, via social networks, gaming, and mobile phone.

Information and Advice from organisation that can help: 

• Bullying UK
• Stop Bullying
• Anti-Bullying Alliance 
• National Bullying Helpline 
• NSPCC
• Young Mind
• Childline

Tower Hamlets Transition Support Service has put together a useful and helpful guide with information and advice for parents and carers who may be worried that their children may be being bullied or are the bully.

Have a look at information on: Help with Bullying – Information and Advice for Parents and Carers