Bullying

What is bullying

Bullying in teenagers can be:

• verbal, for example, insulting, threatening, harassment or making fun of someone
• behind someone’s back, for example, playing nasty jokes, spreading rumours or excluding someone
• physical, for example, pushing, tripping, hitting or damaging property
• cyberbullying.

Your child may not want to talk about it if they’re being bullied. Find out what to look for and how to help on the Raising Children website.

How to help your child

If your child is being bullied, you need to work with their school to stop further bullying.

Tips for working with the school:

• Make a time to speak privately with the teacher.
• Write notes based on what your child has told you, so you can be clear about what happened. If it involves cyberbullying, take screenshots of the social media posts or messages.
• Ask what steps will be taken to prevent further bullying.
• Ask if there are any at home strategies they recommend.
• Understand that the school needs time to investigate the situation.
• Keep a record of when you contacted the school, who you spoke with and how it will be managed.
• Stay in touch with the teacher and let them know if the bullying continues, or if something new happens.

Find out more about responding to bullying on the Bullying No Way website.

Who they can speak to

There are services that offer support and advice to teenagers. These links will take you away from myGov.

Services in your state or territory

You may have mental health services in your state or territory. These links will take you away from myGov.