Short messages on Bullying/abuse from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
1 in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused. 1 in 3 children who were sexually abused by an adult did not tell anyone else at the time. 9 out of 10 children were abused by someone they knew.
If someone has acted inappropriately online towards you or someone you know, you can report it directly to CEOP. It could be sexual chat, being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable or someone asking to meet up.
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is part of UK law enforcement and can apply the full range of policing powers in tackling the sexual abuse of children.
If you are in any situation with someone older that makes you uncomfortable, as soon as someone says “this is our secret”, that’s the time to tell somebody.
Domestic violence can affect you at any time – memories can surface years later if the issue has not been dealt with and closure found.
It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better.
Bullying is never to be tolerated, under any circumstances. It takes a better person to support someone being bullied, than to join in with the crowd.
Be aware that comments and pictures posted online will be read in years to come by people including new friends, family and employers. If in doubt, ask yourself if the public should be seeing it.
Jodie Marsh was bullied severely when growing up, and contemplated suicide; she now campaigns for anti-bullying programmes. Call HopeLine on UK 0800 068 41 41 for suicide prevention advice.
Al-Anon is an international fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems.