Bullying Guide

What to Do If You're Being Bullied

You are not alone. Bullying is never okay, and there are steps you can take to get help and feel safe again.

Immediate Steps to Take

Tell Someone You Trust
Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another adult you trust. You don't have to go through this alone.
Don't Blame Yourself
Bullying is never your fault. No one deserves to be bullied, regardless of what others might say.
Stay Calm and Walk Away
If you feel safe doing so, try to stay calm and walk away from the situation. Bullies often want a reaction.
Document Everything
Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. Save screenshots, messages, or photos as evidence.
Don't Retaliate
Fighting back or seeking revenge can make the situation worse and get you in trouble. Focus on reporting instead.
Report It
Report bullying to your school, workplace, or platform (for cyberbullying). Most places have policies in place to help.

Types of Bullying

Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or damaging someone's belongings.
Verbal Bullying
Name-calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, or making offensive remarks.
Social Bullying
Spreading rumors, exclusion from groups, embarrassing someone in public, or encouraging others to exclude them.
Cyberbullying
Using digital devices, social media, or messaging apps to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.
Emotional Bullying
Manipulating someone's feelings, gaslighting, giving silent treatment, or using guilt and fear to control them.
Psychological Bullying
Intimidating, threatening, stalking, or terrorizing someone to create fear and insecurity.
Sexual Bullying
Unwanted sexual comments, touching, jokes, spreading sexual rumors, or sharing explicit images without consent.
Financial Bullying
Stealing or damaging someone's money or belongings, pressuring them to spend money, or controlling their finances.
Prejudicial Bullying
Targeting someone based on their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Relational Bullying
Damaging someone's reputation or relationships through gossip, manipulation, rumors, or turning others against them.

Remember These Key Points

You deserve to feel safe at school, at home, and online.

It is not your fault. You did not cause this, and you do not have to handle it alone.

Speaking up is brave, not weak. Asking for help takes courage.

Keep reaching out if the first person does not help. Find another adult who will listen and take action.

Explore Topics

Cyberbullying
How to handle online harassment, block users, and report abusive content.
At School
What to do when bullying happens in the classroom, hallways, or on the bus.
Can't Tell Anyone
Anonymous options, helplines, and advice if you don't know who to trust.
When It's a Friend
How to handle being bullied by someone you once trusted and cared about.

Helplines & Resources

StopBullying.gov
U.S. government website with resources for kids, teens, parents, and educators.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free, 24/7.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center
Resources and advocacy for students, parents, and schools.
Childline
Free, private service for children and young people in the UK. Call 0800 1111.