HealthInfo Canterbury
Bullying information for teens
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:
- Physical bullying such as hitting, pushing and spitting.
- Emotional or verbal bullying such as name-calling, threatening to harm someone, or offensive comments which are often related to race, colour, religion and sexuality.
- Social bullying – this can include spreading rumours, and repeatedly not including someone and encouraging others to do the same.
- Cyberbullying – this happens online using phones and computers. A cyberbully uses social networks to post comments and share personal information with the intent to embarrass or humiliate someone.
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 also 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.
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
- Sticks 'n Stones – Cyberbullying: What's the Big Deal?
Sticks 'n Stones is a teenage led programme based in Central Otago committed to taking positive action online.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Ask Aunty Dee
Aunty Dee can help you solve problems with issues like bullying, depression, drinking, grief and sex. The website is designed for young Pasifika people, but it can help all young people.
- Bullying-Free NZ
Information about bullying and how to deal with it. Includes videos about bullying.
- Netsafe – Help with bullying & abuse
Information and help with cyberbullying.
- YouthLaw – Bullying
How to deal with bullying and what to do about bullying at school.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.
Sources
Review key: HIBUL-50759
