• Tell an adult you can talk to and trust – telling is not tattling and hiding it is the bullies’ biggest weapon as they won’t stop until adults or other kids get involved! You could also write down all the details and give it to the adult if you are uncomfortable speaking about it or bring along a friend or sibling for support. If you need to speak to someone in confidence straight away, you can call Childline on 1800 666 666 or visit www.childline.ie

• Even if you think you’ve solved the problem yourself, you should tell an adult in case it happens again and if you’ve told an adult before who did nothing about the bullying, then tell someone else you trust.

• Ignore the bully and get away from the situation as quickly as possible – pretend you don’t hear or see him/her and walk straight past if you can.

• If you are under physical attack, protect vulnerable parts of the body such as the face and head from injury by rolling into a ball, shout out, break free if possible, and run away to the nearest adult for help.

• Don’t fight back or get mad as this is exactly what the bully wants and will only make it worse by making it more likely that you will get hurt or into trouble.

• Stay calm and don’t show that you are upset or angry – bullies love a reaction and to think they have control over your emotions.

• Look the bully in the eye and ask them to repeat what they said to catch them off guard.

• Project confidence rather than fear – stand up straight, hold your head up tall and make eye contact because if you believe in yourself and have positive body language, others will notice too.

• Think of clever or funny things to say ahead of time – keep it short and simple (e.g. “That’s what you think” or “Cut it out”).

• Label your belongings with permanent marker and avoid bringing expensive things or lots of money to school and remember that material things are not worth getting hurt over.

• Hang out in a group and avoid being alone in unsupervised places the bully is likely to pick on you (on the way to school, in the hallways, restrooms, empty classrooms or playgrounds).

• Don’t travel alone, sit near the driver on the school bus and stay within sight of teachers and adults when you are at school.

• Make friends with other children who are alone and join groups to find friends who like the same things.

• Don’t skip school or avoid clubs or sports because you’re afraid of being bullied – you have every right to be there.

• Write everything down – specific notes or a diary of who bullied you and how, who saw it happen, when and where the bullying took place, and what you tried to do about it.

• If you have been physically bullied, see a doctor or nurse who will make a record of any injuries you may have; you can also ask the adult you tell not to reveal your name.

• Don’t believe the lies the bullies say about you!