IYSS

 

If the answer is yes give some thought to your actions.  Most bullies know exactly what they are doing but don’t always consider the possible consequences of their actions.  It’s a shocking fact that in the U.K. each year, around 16 young people kill themselves because of the distress caused by bullying.

 

You may think what you are doing isn’t very serious, such as calling someone names, telling other people not to be friends with them, hiding their books or bag, etc.  It might seem like a trivial prank to you but it’s not so funny if you’re on the receiving end, especially if it’s happening on a regular basis.  Your actions can cause so much unhappiness and suffering to your victim that they play truant from school just to avoid the taunts, or worse still suffer a mental breakdown.  If you are found out you could receive a warning, detention or exclusion from school.

 

If the bullying is of a more serious nature involving violence or demands for money the consequences can be far reaching for both you and your victim.   If you are found out you could face permanent exclusion from school.  Also, the parents of your victim may feel they have sufficient grounds to involve the police and you could find yourself charged with assault or harassment.  If the bullying takes place out of school you could find yourself charged and issued with an ASBO.

 

You may not realise it but you need help as much as your victims.  Seek help before it’s too late.