12/10/2026
Bullying: it’s not OK whatever age you are
Are you a bully? You know if you are.
Are you being bullied?
It’s not a sign of weakness, others identify with you for various reasons. Let us support you sharing information on what to do.
Are you enabling someone you know is a bully by choosing to do nothing and at times inadvertently encouraging them?
You don’t want to say or do anything because you don’t want to be their next target or experience the cruelty of the bully.
Confrontation is not the only option.
If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger from bullying, call 999 for the police.
Emergency and Support Contacts in the UK
Emergency Services: Contact the police on 999 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
Call 101 in the UK for non-emergencies, or 999 if you face immediate physical threats) if the harassment involves credible threats of violence, blackmail, stalking, or hate crimes. Under UK law, severe online harassment can be addressed via the Protection from Harassment Act or Malicious.
National Bullying Helpline:
Call 0300 323 0169 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5.00pm) for workplace or general bullying advice. https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/
Shout:
Reach out to confidential mental health and support services, such as texting 'Shout' to 85258 (UK)
What to Do Right Now
Tell a trusted person: Share what is happening with an official organisation, family member, teacher, line manager, or HR department depending on whether the bullying happens at school, work, home or within your circle of friends. Pick the appropriate support organisation for you situation. If you are unsure contact the National Bullying Helpline for advice.
How to respond:
Face to face
If the possibility of negotiation is not a consideration walk away.
If you feel you can discuss and it is safe to do so, do.
Try to set healthy boundaries.
You are entitled to be safe and live your life without intimidation from others.
Remember: Some cannot be reasoned with, be it their mental health or lack of understanding social acceptable behaviour.
Electronic communication
Avoid replying to cyberbullying or aggressive messages, as a response often escalates the behaviour.
Block and mute: Use privacy and blocking tools on the app or phone to cut off direct contact.
If it’s on an Online Platform: Report the content or user profile for violating the site's Terms of Use or Community Guidelines
Save evidence: Take screenshots of messages, keep copies of emails, or write down a chronological diary of what happened, when, and who was involved.
Seek legal advice: Consult a civil attorney if you are dealing with severe defamation, harassment, or emotional distress, though weigh the potential financial costs against possible outcomes
Please see below a list of support organisations available to provide help, information and assistance:
ACAS: Helpline: 0300 123 1100 (8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday).
Customers with a hearing or speech impairment may prefer to contact us using the Text Relay service by dialling 18001 0300 123 1100.
acas.org.uk
Bullying and harassment at work, Equality and discrimination
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. We support good relationships between employers and employees which underpin business success. But when things go wrong we help by providing conciliation to resolve workplace problems.
Bullying UK (Part of Family Lives)
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
Workplace bullying, Bullying at school, Cyberbullying
Bullying UK part of Family Lives have launched a new Live Online Support service for every member of the family to get advice direct from our Expert team, our advisors are standing by to support you with a wide range of bullying problems.
National Bullying Helpline
Tel: 0845 22 55 787
nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
The helpline (a non Charity) is a Voluntary Organisation, is a household name and continues to provide practical and timely support to both adults and children; those bullied in the community, the home, the playground and/or the workplace. In fact the helpline is unique and today it is the only organisation of its kind run by qualified HR professionals. This website is now a central source of useful and practical information. Whether you are the bully, the bullied, the employer, the employee, a dispute resolution service provider, an academic or just a member of the public seeking 'up to date' information - you will find practical support here on this site.
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Support for young men under 35 suffering from depression.
The Cybersmile Foundation
cybersmile.org
The Cybersmile Foundation offers practical help, support and advice for anybody affected by cyberbullying, as well as hate campaigns including parents, children, teachers and carers. You will find important information regarding cyberbullying in the advice and guidance section of the website, along with links to many other organisations that all offer different ways of helping with cyberbullying issues.
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
iwf.org.uk
IWF is the UK hotline for the public to report child sexual abuse content on the internet. It works with the internet industry and the police in the UK and abroad to get the content removed. You can report on their website, anonymously if you prefer.
How to deal with adult bullying
You can deal with adult bullying by documenting offenses and avoiding the bully.
Bystanders can help by questioning the bully's behaviour or walking with the victim.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-adult-bullying-5187158
