We will talk about bullying and its effects.

* Have a look at our help page for further websites / organisations that are there to help. 

Are you bullying someone? -

The effects and how my behaviour can have an impact on someone?

Bullying is a negative behaviour that is focused on an individual or a group, constantly seeking to intimidate, with the intention to hurt someone physically and / or emotionally. Bullying can have an impact on someone's self-worth, and how they view their life.

Anyone can be a bully, but the important thing to remember is, that we all have a choice to make! The quote that is often used - 'treat each other as we would wish someone to treat us,' is useful to remember. Sometimes we may feel threatened if someone is different to us. Why not make the time to learn about other people, their background, interests and how you can play a positive part in their life!


What if I choose to be a bully?                            

We often make decisions to do something very quickly without really thinking through the consequences of our actions; for example, you may think it would be fun to play on top of a high wall, but within second's of making that decision, you fall off the wall and break your leg. Because of this you then have to wait several months for your leg to heal, preventing you from doing all the things that you would normally do. 

That moment's decision could effect you long term, from what initially looked like fun. The effects of this may lead to you feeling afraid of going out in case you break your leg again, avoiding places, missing out on meeting up with friends etc… the same can be said about some of the effects of bullying. If you make the decision to call someone names, hurt someone physically, or by taking someone's friends or possessions away, it may make you feel great, and seem funny to you while hoping it will make you look 'big' amongst your friends… but the consequences of those actions is far deeper than you could possibly imagine. The effects could make someone feel very upset,  which could possibly lead them to feel depressed, effecting their education, because they may not want to come to school anymore etc…

 

It is far better to think of ways of helping each other out, to be kind and thoughtful in your actions and words, to not only your classmates but also to your teachers and parents.


  • If you are tempted to bully someone  -  
  • Stop!
  • Think first!
  • How would you feel if it was happening to you?
  • If your friends are involved in bullying someone, you can make the decision to not be involved.
  • Question who your real friends are?

Be someone that you can be proud of; by being a good friend, seeking to build someone up rather than pull them down. Be kind and considerate to one another.

It's never too late to change!                                                        

 

Often when we are in pain ourselves, we can end up hurting others.

If you are in this situation, consider finding someone to talk to, a parent, teacher, youth worker, doctor and so on. Have a look at our help page for organisations/charities who are available to help.