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HealthInfo Canterbury

Bullying information for young people

Pānui whakaitia mō ngā taiohi

Bullying is repeated behaviour that is intended to harm someone. Bullying can also be a misuse of power, such as in a personal or professional relationship.

Bullying is serious. It can happen anywhere and be done by anyone, and it doesn't just happen to young people.

Different types of bullying include:

If you, or someone you know is being bullied, it's important to tell an adult you trust and ask for help. If you don't want to or feel you have no one to talk to, you could try one of the phone helplines below.

If you are a bully, be aware that this behaviour not only has long-term negative effects on people you're bullying but also on yourself. Take time to have a think about what you are doing and why. If you can’t control your bullying you may need some help to change your behaviour.

The links below have information to help young people who are being bullied, and to help those who have been accused of bullying to change.

Getting help with bullying

0800 What's Up?

0800 What's Up? is free counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers.

Freephone 0800‑942‑8787. Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 11 pm. Weekends 3 pm to 11 pm.

You may prefer to chat online. Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 10 pm. Weekends 3 pm to 10 pm.

You can also read about different kinds of bullying, why people get bullied, and how to deal with it.

Youthline

Any young person in New Zealand, or anyone supporting a young person, can call Youthline for help.

Freephone 0800‑376-633 (any time) or free txt 234 to speak to a counsellor.

You can also chat online using the webchat between 10 am and 10 pm, 7 days a week.

Email any time. Counsellors aim to respond to emails within 24 hours.

You can also read about bullying, and how to get help for yourself or a friend.

  HealthInfo recommends the following videos

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021. Last updated September 2021.

Sources

See also:

Anger in teens & young adults

Emotional & physical abuse

Stress in teens & young adults

Page reference: 50759

Review key: HIBUL-50759