Bullying

Bullying can happen anywhere…in schools, at home, in the community, at work, on-line.  Bullying is when people repeatedly and intentionally use words and/or actions against someone to cause pain and risk to their well-being. It can cause severe distress  for the person who is being bullied

WHAT IS IT?

• physical actions such such as punching or kicking
• verbal threats and name-calling
• making rude gestures or constant negative teasing
• spreading rumours or lies
• harassing someone based on their race, sex, religion, gender or a disability
• stalking
• excluding someone from a group

Bullying affects everyone in different ways. Here are some common feelings:

• feeling guilty, like it’s your fault
• feeling hopeless
• feeling rejected – like you don’t fit in
• feeling afraid and unsafe
• feeling ashamed that this is happening to  you
• feeling confused and anxious

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to feel safe and to be treated fairly and respectfully. Bullying is a serious problem with serious mental and physical impacts.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP IT?

If you are being bullied, you should talk to someone you know and trust. If you need to speak to someone immediately, contact KIDS HELP PHONE.

If you would like to speak with a FIREFLY counsellor to help with your situation, click here for an office located near you.