BullyingWednesday, 14 Oct 26
4 tips for parents when your child is being bullied
Here's four easy steps you can take to help your child feel seen, safe and heard.
Read more
How to Tell if it's Bullying
Bullying
Not all unkind or hurtful behaviour is bullying. Here's how to tell the difference.
- It’s normal for people to disagree, argue, or fall out sometimes.
- Conflict happens in friendships, families and at school.
- Someone might say or do something rude or mean, and while that can really hurt, it doesn’t always mean they’re a bully.
- Both unkind behaviour and bullying can feel upsetting — and your feelings always matter.
So, what makes it bullying?
There are four key signs that help you tell bullying apart from rude or mean behaviour. Bullying is:
Unbalanced
The person bullying has more power. They might be older, bigger, stronger, more popular or have more influence or control.
Harmful
It leaves you feeling hurt, unsafe, scared, threatened, or unable to make it stop.
Targeted
They are trying to hurt, embarrass, scare or put you down on purpose.
Repeated
It keeps happening again and again, even if you've asked them to stop.
How can I tell if I'm being bullied?
If you're not sure, ask yourself:
- Was it done on purpose to hurt me?
- Does it keep happening?
- Do they have more power or influence than me?
If you answered yes to all three, it's likely bullying.
Need someone to talk to?
We're here for you. 💙
Whether someone is being unkind or bullying you it can really hurt - and you don't have to deal with it on your own.
You can call us or start a webchat anytime.
There's always someone ready to listen.
You matter. And help is always available.
How to respond to bullying
Kids Helpline partnered with PROJECT ROCKIT to help you know what to say or do in the moment when you are being bullied.
Explore more helpful reads
Bullying
Asking for helpFriday, 14 Aug 26
Real Stories: Eva*
Trigger warning: This story discusses bullying, self-harm and suicide. Eva shares her experience of being bullied and isolated at school, the impact it had on her mental health, and her journey towards recovery with the support of her family and professional care. Now, she hopes her story will remind other young people that they are not alone, their worth is not defined by bullying, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Read more
BullyingVideo
Real Stories: Annie and Austin
When Annie's son Austin was 15, he was bullied at school and he soon lost his confidence and started to become withdrawn. Hear how she managed to help and support him - which later led to a fundraising movement in Western Australia.
Watch now
BullyingWednesday, 14 Oct 26
4 tips for parents when your child is being bullied
Here's four easy steps you can take to help your child feel seen, safe and heard.
Read more
Asking for helpFriday, 14 Aug 26
Real Stories: Eva*
Trigger warning: This story discusses bullying, self-harm and suicide. Eva shares her experience of being bullied and isolated at school, the impact it had on her mental health, and her journey towards recovery with the support of her family and professional care. Now, she hopes her story will remind other young people that they are not alone, their worth is not defined by bullying, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Read more
BullyingVideo
Real Stories: Annie and Austin
When Annie's son Austin was 15, he was bullied at school and he soon lost his confidence and started to become withdrawn. Hear how she managed to help and support him - which later led to a fundraising movement in Western Australia.
Watch now