Crazy as it sounds, people are bullied because they have had the fortune to be blessed with Red Hair!
To help you, here are some practical tips, phone numbers and websites you can use for dealing with bullying.
If you are being bullied always remember – you are not alone and there is always someone willing to listen and help.
What is bullying?
Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It includes behaviour such as name calling, spreading hurtful rumours, excluding someone from groups, taking possessions or money, hitting, pushing or kicking and unwanted sexual touch. Cyberbullying has the same effect as face to face bullying but takes place over the internet or through phones.
Bullying is often driven by prejudice and can be targeted at someone’s gender, culture, religion or perceived sexuality. Children and young people may also find themselves a target because of a disability, disfigurement, illness or hair colour.
What can I do if I’m being bullied?
- Firstly you need to understand that it is not your fault. Whatever the person, or people bullying you have said, this is everything to do with their negative thoughts and behaviour, and nothing to do with you. Believe that you deserve better and seek help.
- Talk to someone. Problems rarely get better by keeping them inside. If you can, talk to an adult that you trust – like your parent or a teacher. Talk to friends that you trust. Or, if you are scared of what might happen if you tell your parent or a friend, then contact Childline (see details below).
- Protect yourself – if you can, avoid situations where you are likely to be bullied. Never retaliate with violent actions such as hitting or punching – this can lead to you being seriously hurt or getting in trouble yourself. If the bullying is online, block or unfriend contacts that are being abusive. Make sure you have the highest privacy settings.If you are not sure how to do this then ask for help.
- Take part in activities outside of school – or wherever the bullying is taking place, that help to raise your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. Some ideas could include Guides and Scouts, cadets, drama and dance classes, art classes, exercise classes and swimming. Remember that you deserve the very best in life.
- If the bullying is making you feel very desperate and scared then don’t take it out on yourself – get immediate help. You can contact Childline any time, night or day for support and advice.
If you need help or advice about bullying there are helplines and websites that can provide you with information and support:
Helplines
ChildLine – ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential helpline for children and young people. They offer advice and support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day. Whenever and wherever you need them, they’ll be there. Call 0800 1111
Cybermentors – CyberMentors is a safe social networking site providing information and support for young people affected by bullying.
EACH – EACH has a freephone Actionline for children experiencing homophobic bullying: 0808 1000 143. It’s open Monday to Friday 10am-5.00pm
Very good advice Jim, different from your usual posts, I am going to re-blog your post.
Cheers Harry
Reblogged this on dribblingpensioner and commented:
Please visit and read this very good post.
It warms my heart that you continue to champion your anti bullying stance. Great advice.
Thanks Michelle – I get quite a few emails from people being bullied so it is important to keep offering support
Very nice!
Ta
Great advice here!
Thanks Christy
another popular place for bullies is the workplace… it comes in many forms and both from those whom you work for and those who work for you…
some resources are http://www.workplacebullying.org/ and http://www.laborlawyers.com/workplace-bullying-will-you-know-it-when-you-see-it …
🙂
Cheers Kat
I will put the link on the bullying page
Jim
Well done.
Posted the link on “Compassionate Lifestyle” FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Compassionate-Lifestyle/330761850270842
Thanks Jame
If you know any anti-bullying sites in the States I’d be happy to include them
I don’t; but, you know what, I’ll find out and let you know. Thanks!
Cheers Jamie
Some very good advice here.
Thanks
This was great. Hopefully you just spared someone the pain of bullying. I hope many read this. Good one!
Hope so to!
Excellent post. Superior advice. I will never understand the mentality of people who bully.
I do know that just because someone says something about another it does not make it true.But that is a hard lesson for adults to learn. Children are our most vulnerable and they re just learning what bullying does. It changes them forever
Thanks so much, great share ~ BB
Thanks
Excellent advice I really hate bullies
As a ginger, I wasn’t bullied for my hair color as much as I was for my pale skin. It was a nightmare, the amount of daily BS I took for it…and still to this day. Thankfully, being tan is no longer “in fashion” and imagine — neither are wrinkles. Who looks good now, SUCKAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well said!