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HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Bullying information for young people

Pānui whakaitia mō ngā taiohi

Bullying is 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 does not just happen to rangatahi (young people).

Different types of bullying include:

If you, or someone you know is being bullied, it is important to tell an adult you trust and ask for help. If you do not 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 are bullying but also on yourself. Take time to have a think about what you are doing and why. If you cannot control your bullying, you may need some help to change your behaviour.

The links below have information to help rangatahi 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 a free counselling helpline and webchat service for tamariki (children) and rangatahi.

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

Youthline

Any rangatahi in New Zealand, or anyone supporting a rangatahi, 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, Tuesday to Friday and 4:30 pm to 10 pm, Saturday to Monday.

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

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2024.

Sources

See also:

Anger management

Emotional & physical abuse

Stress in teens & young adults

Page reference: 50759

Review key: HIBUL-50759