Bullying is behaviour that deliberately hurts, intimidates, humiliates or excludes another person. It can happen in person, at school, at work, in social settings or online, and it can affect people of any age.
Recognising Bullying early matters because it can damage confidence, mental health, friendships and a person’s sense of safety. This guide explains what Bullying looks like, how it differs from ordinary disagreement or banter, and where people in Worcestershire and across the UK can find support.
What is Bullying?
There is no single legal definition of Bullying in the UK, but government guidance describes it as behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally.
The NSPCC describes Bullying as behaviour intended to harm, intimidate or coerce someone who is perceived to be vulnerable. It can involve one person or a group and may take place at home, school, work or online.
Bullying is not always physical. Name-calling, threats, spreading rumours, mocking, exclusion and online abuse can all cause serious emotional harm. The impact on the person affected matters, even if the person responsible claims it was “only a joke”.
Common types of Bullying
Bullying can take many forms, and more than one type may happen at the same time.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Verbal | Name-calling, insults, threats, mocking, offensive comments |
| Physical | Hitting, pushing, kicking, damaging belongings or physical intimidation |
| Emotional or social | Excluding someone, spreading rumours, humiliating them or undermining them |
| Cyberbullying | Abusive messages, social media posts, group chats, images, videos or gaming harassment |
| Prejudice-based | Behaviour targeting race, religion, disability, gender, sexuality or other personal characteristics |
GOV.UK notes that Bullying may be motivated by prejudice against particular groups, including race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, special educational needs or disabilities. It can also be based on perceived differences rather than real ones.
Bullying versus banter
Friends often tease each other, and playful banter can be part of a healthy friendship. The difference is whether everyone involved is comfortable, whether the teasing is mutual and whether anyone is being hurt or excluded.
Bullying is different because it involves harm, intimidation or humiliation. It often includes an imbalance of power, which may come from physical strength, social status, group pressure, age, workplace seniority or control over online spaces.
If someone asks for a joke to stop and it continues, or if they are repeatedly singled out, it should be taken seriously. Calling behaviour “banter” does not make it acceptable.
Signs someone may be experiencing Bullying
Not everyone will tell someone directly that they are being bullied. Changes in mood, behaviour or routine can be important warning signs.
- Becoming withdrawn, anxious or unusually quiet.
- Avoiding school, work, social events or particular people.
- Losing confidence or seeming unusually upset after using a phone.
- Having damaged belongings or unexplained injuries.
- Changes in sleep, appetite or concentration.
- Suddenly avoiding friendship groups or online platforms.
These signs do not prove Bullying on their own, but they are a reason to start a calm, supportive conversation. Ask open questions and listen without judgement.
Bullying at school
Schools have a responsibility to respond to Bullying and to help pupils feel safe. Worcestershire CAMHS advises young people to speak to a teacher, parent, carer or another trusted adult if they are being bullied.
If Bullying happens at school, it can help to keep a record of what happened, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done and any witnesses. This information can support a school’s investigation.
Young people should not be expected to deal with Bullying alone. Schools can involve pastoral staff, safeguarding leads, parents or carers and other support services where appropriate.
Support available in Worcestershire
Young people in Worcestershire aged 11 to 19 can use ChatHealth to text a school health nurse for confidential advice about Bullying, emotional health, friendships and other concerns. The service is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 07507 331750.
Worcestershire CAMHS also signposts young people to Childline, which offers free confidential support for anyone under 19 in the UK. Childline can be contacted on 0800 1111.
If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm, call 999.
Bullying at work
Bullying can happen in workplaces as well as schools. GOV.UK describes workplace Bullying and harassment as behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended, and gives examples including malicious rumours, unfair treatment, regular undermining and denial of training or promotion opportunities.
Bullying itself is not specifically against the law in the UK, but harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 when it is related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
If you experience workplace Bullying, keep records of incidents, save relevant messages and consider speaking to a manager, HR department, trade union representative or an employment adviser. If the behaviour includes threats, violence or harassment, it may need to be reported to the police.
Cyberbullying and online safety
Cyberbullying is Bullying that happens through phones, social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms or other online services. It can include abusive messages, sharing embarrassing images, spreading rumours, exclusion from group chats or encouraging others to target someone.
Online Bullying can feel relentless because it can follow someone outside school, work or home. It can also be shared widely and quickly, making the person affected feel exposed or powerless.
If you experience cyberbullying, avoid responding to abusive messages. Take screenshots, block or mute the person where possible and use the platform’s reporting tools. Keep evidence in case you need to report the behaviour to a school, employer or the police.
Worcestershire CAMHS advises young people to report abusive posts or accounts using the reporting tools on the relevant website or app, and to keep telling a trusted adult until the Bullying stops.
What to do if you are being bullied
Bullying is never the fault of the person being targeted. You do not have to deal with it alone.
- Tell someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, teacher, colleague or support worker.
- Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, messages and witnesses.
- Report the behaviour to the school, workplace, venue or online platform involved.
- Ask for support with your wellbeing if the experience is affecting your mood or confidence.
- Contact emergency services on 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Worcestershire CAMHS says that talking to someone can help, whether that is a family member, close friend, teacher or another trusted adult. Support services can help you decide what to do next.
How to support someone else
If a friend tells you they are being bullied, listen calmly and believe them. Avoid blaming them or telling them simply to ignore it.
- Ask what they would like you to do.
- Help them record what has happened.
- Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult or appropriate service.
- Do not share screenshots or details more widely without permission.
- Stay in contact and check how they are feeling.
If the situation involves immediate danger, threats of violence or a serious risk to someone’s safety, contact the police on 999.
Creating safer social spaces
Bullying can happen anywhere people gather, including pubs, clubs, student events and online communities connected to nightlife. Everyone has a role in making social spaces safer.
Venue staff can respond to harassment, support customers who feel unsafe and take concerns seriously. Friends can look out for one another, avoid joining in with cruel jokes and check on anyone who seems uncomfortable.
A good rule is simple: treat others as you would want to be treated. Humour should bring people together, not make someone feel small.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bullying always physical?
No. Bullying can be verbal, emotional, social or online. Exclusion, rumours, threats and mocking can be just as harmful as physical behaviour.
Is Bullying illegal in the UK?
Bullying itself is not a specific criminal offence, but some related behaviour, such as harassment, threats, assault or malicious communications, may be unlawful.
What should I do if my child is being bullied?
Listen calmly, reassure them that it is not their fault, record what has happened and contact the school or relevant organisation. Ask what support they need rather than taking over completely.
Where can young people in Worcestershire get help?
Young people aged 11 to 19 can text ChatHealth on 07507 331750 for confidential support from a school health nurse. Childline is also available on 0800 1111 for anyone under 19 in the UK.
What should I do about online Bullying?
Do not reply to abuse. Save evidence, block or report the account, tell a trusted adult and use the reporting tools on the platform involved.
When should I call 999?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, has been seriously injured, is being threatened with violence or is at risk of serious harm.
Bullying should never be dismissed as harmless fun. Whether it happens at school, work, online or on a night out, speaking up, keeping records and seeking support can help stop it and protect the person affected.
Discover Trusted Partners
Explore selected services and resources from our promotional partners.
Sponsored recommendations for visitors seeking useful online services.