4 Most Asked Questions About Bullying

Bullying can be complicated – and it can be really hard to know what to do when it’s happening to you or your child. You’re not alone in wondering about this. Here are four of the questions we’re asked most often, with simple, practical answers to help you feel more confident starting the conversation and taking action.

There’s no single reason someone becomes a bully. Often, it’s a mix of things going on for them.

Some common reasons include:

• Wanting power or attention
  Some young people bully to feel in control or to get attention from others.
• Not understanding the impact
  They might not realise how hurtful their words or actions are.
• Pressure to fit in
  Bullying can happen when someone feels they need to go along with a group to belong.
• Struggling with empathy
  Some kids find it hard to see things from another person’s point of view.
• Difficult things happening at home
  Stress, conflict, or feeling unsafe at home can sometimes show up as hurtful behaviour towards others.
• Retaliation
  Some young people who’ve been bullied may lash out at others, including online, as a way of coping with their own pain.

None of this excuses bullying – but understanding the “why” can help us respond with the right support and boundaries.

No. Bullying impacts everyone involved.

• The young person being bullied
  Bullying can affect mental health, confidence, friendships, school attendance and learning. It can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, tummy aches and trouble sleeping.
• Bystanders
  Kids who see bullying happen can feel scared, guilty, or unsure how to help. Over time, this can impact their sense of safety and wellbeing too.
• The person doing the bullying
  Young people who bully others are more likely to struggle with relationships, school engagement, and behaviour over time if they don’t get support to change.

Bullying isn’t “just part of growing up” – it’s something we can all help prevent and respond to together.

Yes – and your role really matters.

Children learn a lot from the adults around them. Parents and carers can help reduce bullying by:

• Modelling kindness and respect
  How we speak to others teaches kids how to treat people.
• Talking openly about differences
  Encouraging empathy and respect for people of all backgrounds helps kids feel safe to be themselves – and to accept others.
• Staying involved
  Knowing who your child spends time with, what they’re doing online, and how they’re feeling at school can help you spot issues early.
• Creating a safe space to talk
  When kids know they can talk without getting in trouble, they’re more likely to ask for help.
• Getting support when home life is tough
  If things are hard at home, reaching out for support can make a big difference for the whole family.

Being bullied is not okay – and you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Here are some helpful steps:

• Stay calm and set boundaries (if safe to do so)
  A clear “Stop. That’s not okay.” can sometimes help. You deserve respect.
• Walk away
  If it’s safe, removing yourself from the situation can help reduce further harm.
• Keep a record
  Write down what’s happening, when, and where – especially if it’s online. Screenshots can help.
• Tell a trusted adult
  This could be a parent, carer, teacher, school counsellor or coach. Asking for help is a strong thing to do.
• Get support
  Talking things through can help you feel less alone and more confident about next steps.

If bullying is happening online, it can also help to report it to the platform or to the eSafety Commissioner.

And remember – support is always available.
Our Bullying Support Line is open 24/7 for young people, and between 6am - midnight for parents and carers. You can call 13 DOLLY or use WebChat. You don’t have to go through this alone.