Video Transcription

Bullying and Mental Health: How to Respond and Tips for Getting Help

Bullying isn’t just playing around or harmless fun. It’s when a person or multiple people act towards someone else in a way that intends to cause fear, distress, or harm. It can be verbal, physical, social, or online.

Sometimes bullying is obvious, but other times it can be subtle or happen behind someone’s back. Sadly, bullying is really common. Anyone who’s experienced it knows how upsetting it is. You might feel alone, unsafe, afraid, stressed, humiliated, angry, ashamed, or rejected. It may also disrupt your everyday life, making things like studying or work feel nearly impossible.

There are lots of reasons why someone might become a bully. Sometimes it’s because they’ve been bullied before or because they’re copying how someone else in their life coped with difficult feelings or events. At other times, it’s about peer pressure, jealousy, or trying to fit in and belong in a group. But remember, no matter the reason, bullying is never okay.

If you’re experiencing in-person bullying, it’s important to know you’re not alone and support is out there. Here are some things you can do:

When it’s happening:

Try focusing on your breathing to stay calm.

• Always be aware of what actions may escalate the bullying, and remember to take actions that prioritize your safety.
• Ignore the bullying by calmly turning and walking away.
• If the person doing the bullying tries to stop you, try to be firm and clear. Having friends to stand with you or walk you away is a great idea in these moments.

Tell someone you trust:

This could be a friend, family member, teacher, manager, Elder, GP, or counsellor. Though reaching out to others can be hard, it can help you feel supported and less isolated. It can also help make the bullying stop.

Get more information:
Schools, universities, TAFEs, and workplaces have anti-bullying policies that can help. Find out what to do—you might also have access to a counselling or student well-being service.

Don’t isolate:
It’s normal to want to stay safe, but spending time with friends who make you feel good about yourself is important for your confidence and feelings of self-worth.

Cyberbullying, which happens through social media, texts, or games, can be just as isolating, upsetting, and overwhelming as physical bullying. This type of bullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or unkind content about someone else online. It’s tough because it can feel like you don’t get a break from the hurtful messages, even when you’re at home.

If you’re being cyberbullied, here are some steps you can take:

Talk about it:

Just like with any type of bullying, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell a trusted adult or friend who can help take the pressure away from you.

Keep evidence:

Screenshots and saved messages can help if you need to report it.

Block and report:

Block the bully and report them to the website, app, or platform. You can also contact the eSafety Commissioner if the content is not removed within 48 hours.

Change your privacy settings:

Lock down your accounts to make it harder for bullies to reach you.

Remember, bullying is tough, but you’re tougher, and it shows strength to reach out and get help. When you do, the people you talk to can help you cope with what you’re going through.

For more tips and support, access eSafety resources.

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