Describe the behaviour rather than blaming yourself
Bullying can involve repeated humiliation, exclusion, rumours, threats or physical behaviour, including online activity that follows you home. It can make ordinary parts of school feel unpredictable: walking to class, joining a group task or checking a message. You do not have to become more confident, funnier or less sensitive to deserve safety. Write down what is happening in specific terms, including where it tends to occur and whether other people are involved. If you are unsure whether a situation meets a school's definition of bullying, you can still ask for help with harmful behaviour. The first conversation should be about what you are experiencing and what needs to change, rather than proving that you used the perfect label.
Bring information to a trusted adult
Choose a teacher, year adviser, school counsellor or other adult you think will listen. Explain the pattern, the most recent event and any immediate concerns. Bring notes or messages if it is safe to keep them. You might say that a group waits near your locker, that a rumour is spreading or that you are avoiding a class because you fear what will happen. Ask the adult to explain what they will do next and who needs to know. If speaking is difficult, write a message or ask someone to come with you. Reporting is not causing the problem. The behaviour already exists, and adults responsible for the school need enough information to respond.
Ask for a safety plan you can use tomorrow
A useful response is more specific than being told to ignore it. Ask where you can go if an incident starts, who is available during breaks and how classroom or transport arrangements can be made safer. Discuss how the school will reduce the risk of retaliation after a report. If a meeting with the other students is proposed, say if you feel unsafe or worried about being pressured to forgive them. You can ask for a different approach and for a trusted person to attend. Agree on a date to review whether the plan is working. Keep a record of meetings and new incidents so you can describe changes clearly rather than starting from the beginning each time.
Include the online part of the pattern
Save relevant screenshots, usernames, dates and links before blocking or deleting if you can do so safely. Report harmful content to the platform and use privacy controls to reduce unwanted contact. eSafety provides guidance on cyberbullying and the circumstances in which it can help. Do not forward humiliating posts to prove that they are awful; that can extend their reach. Ask friends not to send you every new comment, while keeping one trusted person informed about anything important for a report. School-related bullying can involve online behaviour outside school hours, so tell the school how the situations connect. Avoid responding with threats or private information, even if other people are encouraging you to retaliate.
Keep seeking help if the first response falls short
If you are dismissed, tell another trusted adult and explain the effect on your attendance, concentration or wellbeing. A parent, carer or advocate may help you raise concerns through the school's complaints process. Immediate physical danger needs urgent help, including 000 in an emergency. Alongside stopping the behaviour, protect supportive parts of your week: one safe person at lunch, a club away from the group or counselling where you can speak freely. Friends can help by standing nearby, refusing to join in and reporting what they see. Recovery may take longer than the visible incidents. You deserve support with rebuilding a sense of safety, rather than being expected to feel fine as soon as adults say the matter is closed.
Sources & further reading
These independent resources provide further information. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of Youth Health.