“Bullying can take many forms, from the classroom to the home, and online. Its effects can be long-lasting, often followi young people into adulthood” A quote from Childline Director, Shaun Friel

In 2024/25, Childline delivered 6,617 counselling sessions where the young person’s main concern was bullying – an average of 551 sessions per month. Of these, 5,943 were in-person bullying and 674 were online bullying. When contacting Childline about online bullying, young people are telling the service that they’re seeing nasty or hurtful posts about themselves, that bullying is taking place in group chats, that they’re facing peer pressure, and they’re experiencing stalking or harassment. When contacting Childline about other types of bullying, young people say they’re receiving verbal and/or physical bullying, being bullied about being different, being left out or excluded and being part of rumours or gossip. Statistics supplied by NSPCC, Childline.                                                                            

Bullying can happen anywhere – at school, at home, online or even in friendship groups. It can leave people feeling isolated, anxious and afraid, and for many young people, its impact lasts long after the bullying has stopped. It is important to remember that no one should face bullying alone.

Every day, Childline hears from children and teenagers who are struggling with bullying. Whether it’s cruel messages on social media, being excluded by classmates or being picked on in person, many young people feel like they have nowhere to turn.

One 11-year-old boy who contacted Childline said: “Everyone at school hates me. I’m always left out of everything and blamed for things I haven’t done. I can’t tell a teacher because then I’ll be a snitch. I’m glad I tried Childline.”

 Another young person, aged 13, described being threatened online by a group of girls, while a 15-year-old boy spoke about classmates throwing things at him and frightening him because they knew where he lived.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, says bullying “thrives in silence” and encourages young people to speak out. He says Childline is there 24 hours a day, online and over the phone, with trained counsellors ready to listen without judgement.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance also believes everyone has a role to play. Director Martha Boateng says that with so many children seeking support, it’s clear bullying continues to have a serious impact. She is calling on parents, teachers, schools and the government to work together to create places where every child feels safe, respected and included.

If you’re being bullied, remember that you don’t have to deal with it by yourself. Save screenshots or messages if the bullying is happening online, block and report abusive accounts, and tell a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher or another family member. If it’s happening at school, staff have a responsibility to help keep you safe. It can also help to take breaks from social media and spend time doing activities you enjoy, whether that’s sport, music, gaming or seeing supportive friends.

Parents and carers also have an important role. Listening calmly, reassuring their child, working with schools and helping young people understand how to stay safe online can all make a real difference. If a child has bullied someone else, honest conversations about empathy, kindness and the consequences of their behaviour can help prevent it happening again.

Tegan, an NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, knows how damaging bullying can be. After being bullied for four years, she eventually regained her confidence and later wrote a book about her experiences to help others. Her message to young people is simple: speaking out

It’s about choosing kindness, standing up for one another and making sure everyone knows they deserve to feel safe. If you or someone you know is being bullied, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength—and you never have to face it alone.

helped stop the bullying, and support is always available. 

Varsity Blues July / Aug 2026