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RCGP Safeguarding toolkit

Part 2A: Identification of abuse and neglect

Bullying and cyberbullying

Bullying is intentional behaviour that hurts someone else. It includes name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone.

It can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. It's usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Unlike bullying offline, online bullying can follow the child wherever they go, via social networks, gaming and mobile phone. A person can be bullied online and offline at the same time.

Cyberbullying can include:

  • sending threatening or abusive text messages
  • creating and sharing embarrassing images or videos
  • trolling – the sending of menacing or upsetting messages on social networks, chat rooms or online games
  • excluding children from online games, activities or friendship groups
  • shaming someone online
  • setting up hate sites or groups about a particular child
  • encouraging young people to self-harm
  • voting for or against someone in an abusive poll
  • creating fake accounts, hijacking or stealing online identities to embarrass a young person or cause trouble using their name
  • sending explicit messages, also known as sexting
  • pressuring children into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations.

Signs of bullying can include:

  • belongings getting 'lost' or damaged
  • physical injuries, such as unexplained bruises
  • being afraid to go to school, being mysteriously 'ill' each morning, or skipping school
  • a change in how they are doing at school, including a dip in grades or not handing homework in
  • asking for, or stealing, money (to give to whoever's bullying them)
  • a change in behaviour, including being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn
  • a change in eating or sleeping habits
  • bullying others.

The effects of bullying can last into adulthood and can drive children and young people to self-harm and suicide. They may develop mental health problems, have fewer friends, and have problems adjusting to school. Any child can be bullied for any reason.

Childline has lots of information and support for children and young people who are experiencing bullying. 

References