Anti-Bullying: Be safe and happy

Asking for help to stop bullying is a really important step. But looking after your mental wellbeing also matters. 

Feeling safe helps you feel OK and reduces stress.

Take action: Find out more about how to support your mental wellbeing.

Ways to help yourself:

Young people who have worked on this website have contributed their ideas on what helps their mental wellbeing when they are stressed at school:

• Finding ways to relax and de-stress -  It is also important to look after yourself, do things that you enjoy and make sure that you carry on doing the things that make you feel happy.
• Ways to relieve stress and tension - Some people find taking part in sports or martial arts is very helpful, other people prefer listening to or making music, creating artworks or playing games.
• Things that can help you relax and be happy - Taking a walk, looking at nature, reading a book can all help. Draw a picture, write things down, take a photo, make some music. Stroke and fuss your pets.
• Stop feeling afraid by - Doing adventurous things like high ropes and climbing, going to groups that offer interesting activities and a more structured environment.

Staying safe when you're out and about

There are things you can do which will make you feel safer and they will also make you seem less vulnerable to other people. Usually, three simple rules are enough:

1. Be confident and sensible
2. Stick with your friends
3. Don't get into arguments

If these things don’t work – and sometimes they might not – it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault if someone bullies or attacks you. Safety is everyone's responsibility. 

Stay safe at school, at work and in clubs

If you're at school, work or at an organised club there should be an anti-bullying policy and practice in place. This means that the people in charge will have rules about bullying. These might include:

• Having rules everyone knows about
• Doing exercises or training about bullying
• Training to help you sort out arguments and keep the peace.

If you suffer bullying at school, work, or at an organised club, you should always tell whoever is in charge. This helps everyone stay safe.

Crucial: If you’re worried about bullying you can tell someone you trust or phone Childline on 0800 1111.