I’m being bullied – what do I do?

First of all, you are doing the right thing by seeking more information. Bullying is a serious issue, and should be dealt with quickly. Remember that no one deserves to be bullied or harassed by anyone. You might be feeling scared, sad or even angry about what is happening to you, and those feelings are all okay. Just remember that it is not your fault.

Here are some things you should do, if you’re being bullied:

  • Write down what happened. Record the date, time, and as many details as you can about the situation. Ask yourself these questions:
    • Who was there? Make a special note of the bully, any other participants, and any witnesses that were around.
    • What did they say to you?
    • Did they physically hurt you?
    • How did it make you feel?
    • Where and when did it take place?
    • What did you do / how did you respond?
  • Tell your parents or another trusted adult (like your favourite teacher or coach) what happened, as soon as possible. They can support you. If you don’t get the support you need from them, tell someone else.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable telling someone, then report it immediately using the anonymous online reporting tool.
  • Report the bullying or harassment every time, until you get help or until it stops.
  • Look to your friends for support – but don’t ask them to fight your bully, or plan any acts of revenge. You can’t address bullying with violence.
  • If it is safe to do so, stand up for yourself by telling the person who is bullying or harassing you to stop it.
  • Stick close to your friends and avoid being alone – your bully might be less likely to target you in a group.
  • Look into the harassment and bullying policies at your school. Do they have one? If so, make sure you do what they ask (i.e. report it) and if the policy isn’t being followed, make sure you ask why. Your parents can help with this.
  • Make a formal complaint to the principal, your district's safe school coordinator, or someone else in authority (i.e. your coach, club leader, etc. if it’s not a school-related incident).
    Find out what is going to happen – you want to make sure they are going to resolve your complaint.
  • If you’re feeling scared, angry, confused, etc. don’t be afraid to ask for counseling or other support. This is normal.

List adapted from www.redcross.ca and aboutkidshealth.ca

If you are having thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself or others, please reach out immediately for help. Call 9-1-1 (or your local police or authority, if you do not have 9-1-1) or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.

If you are being bullied, feeling alone or just need to talk to someone who will listen, please reach out to a trained volunteer or professional:



Resources for Parents

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Resources for Youth

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Thank you for stopping by to check out the ERASE Bullying online reporting tool. This tool is accessible through computers and smart phones, and will allow students, parents or other witnesses to report bullying or other threatening behaviour, anytime and anywhere.

The online reporting tool has just been developed and is in the final stages of testing.

If you need help, please reach out to someone you trust, like a parent, friend or teacher. Or, you can reach out to someone who doesn’t know you for support. There is a list of youth-oriented support lines and websites on this site just for you.

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