Bullying affects children and adults at home, school, work and online, making victims feel trapped, isolated and alone. If you’ve ever been the victim of bullying, you need not suffer in silence. There are 5 helplines in England where you can get the support and understanding you deserve. These are some common experiences of people being bullied:

You have been socially isolated and made to feel different, ashamed and alone.
Your possessions have purposely been damaged or taken by others on a regular basis.
Someone has repeatedly made inappropriate or discriminatory comments about you.
You have been taunted, teased, threatened or harmed by others.
One or more people has repeatedly called you names and teased or humiliated you.
Your personal items have repeatedly been damaged or taken by others on purpose.
You have been threatened or physically tripped, pushed, hit, kicked or spat at by someone.
Others have openly excluded you from social groups or activities.

Bullying has many faces, but it is never earned or deserved. While bullying might make you feel inferior, ugly, ashamed and alone, it is never a true reflection of who you are. You are loved, valued and understood. There are people waiting to support you, so reach out.

Bullying is commonplace, affecting people from every walk of life, but that doesn’t make it right. Bullies should not define who you are or the paths you take in life. Consider reaching out to a helpline in England to talk with someone who understands what you're going through and how you feel.