What should you do if you are being bullied at school?

Being bullied at school is frightening and isolating, but you are not alone and it is not your fault. Bullying is repeated, intentional harm, and no one deserves it. The steps below can help you stay safer and get the support you need.

What is happening

Bullying can be physical (hitting, pushing), verbal (name-calling, threats), social (spreading rumors, excluding you), or online (hurtful messages, posts, or images). It often happens where adults are not watching, like hallways, bathrooms, or online. It can make you feel scared, sad, or sick, and it can affect your schoolwork and sleep.

What to do first

1. Get to safety. If you are in immediate danger, move toward other people or a supervised area. If you are physically attacked, call out for help loudly.
2. Tell a trusted adult right away. This could be a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, or principal. Be specific: what happened, who did it, where, when, and who saw it. If the first adult does not help, tell another until someone takes action.
3. Stay calm and walk away when you can. Bullies often want a reaction. A neutral face, a short phrase like "Stop," and walking away can reduce the payoff. Do not fight back physically unless you must defend yourself from immediate harm.
4. Avoid being alone in problem areas. Use the buddy system, take a different route, or stay near staff. Change your routine slightly if it keeps you safer.
5. Save evidence. Keep screenshots of online bullying, save notes or messages, and write down dates, times, and witnesses. This helps adults and school officials act.

What NOT to do

• Do not blame yourself. Bullying is about the bully's behavior, not your worth.
• Do not keep it secret to protect the bully or because you feel embarrassed.
• Do not retaliate with violence or bullying back. It can escalate and get you in trouble.
• Do not delete online messages before saving evidence.
• Do not face the bully alone if you feel unsafe.

When to seek professional care

If bullying is causing ongoing fear, sadness, trouble sleeping, changes in eating, thoughts of self-harm, or you feel unsafe at school, tell a trusted adult and ask to see a doctor, counselor, or mental health professional. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, this is an emergency: call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline immediately, and tell a trusted adult right away.

What to monitor

Keep track of whether the bullying stops after you report it. Notice your own mood, sleep, and appetite. If things are not improving, follow up with the school and your parents. Schools often have a legal duty to respond to bullying, so ask what steps they will take and when.

How to prevent it

You cannot control a bully, but you can build support. Stay connected with friends, join activities you enjoy, and practice confident body language. If you see someone else being bullied, safely support them or tell an adult. A culture where bystanders speak up reduces bullying for everyone.

If you are being bullied, take one action today: tell a trusted adult. You deserve to feel safe at school. This is general information and not a substitute for professional advice; in an emergency, call your local emergency services.