Bullying is repeated harassment over a period of time, and is done in a way that makes it difficult for the person being bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying:

• Verbal - includes teasing and name calling.
• Physical - includes taking personal belongings, pushing, hitting, kicking, punching, and sexual abuse (including unwanted physical contact or comments).
• Indirect - includes spreading rumours or gossip about you, excluding you, sending hurtful messages by text, email, phone, or post.

Remember, it's the person who's doing the bullying who's in the wrong and there is nothing wrong with you.

What can you do?

• Talk to someone - a friend, teacher, family member or any other adult you can trust.
• Try to stay where there are always other people around - bullies are often quite insecure and may be frightened off.
• If you have a mobile phone, think before you give people the number - only give it to people you can trust not to pass it on.
• Don't just ignore it if you see someone else being bullied. How would you feel if it was you, a family member, or a friend and nobody helped out? Try speaking to the person who you think is being bullied and encourage them to seek help.
• Look on the Bullying UK website for more information.