Bullying can happen at school, at work, or online, and it can be a single cruel incident or something repeated over months or years. Whatever form it takes, it is not something you brought on yourself, and you do not have to handle it in silence.
A Few Things You Can Try Today
- Write down what happened: dates, what was said or done, and who else was there. A simple record makes it much easier to report later and to notice patterns.
- Tell one person you trust, whether that is a friend, family member, teacher, manager, or HR contact. Saying it out loud to someone safe can make it feel less isolating.
- If it is happening online, use the platform's block and report tools, and consider taking screenshots before you block, since blocking can sometimes remove the evidence.
Where to Go for More
- StopBullying.gov - US federal government resource with practical guidance for young people, parents, and educators on preventing and responding to bullying.
- PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center - Nonprofit resources, toolkits, and support specifically for students and families dealing with bullying.
- Cyberbullying Research Center - Research-based guidance on cyberbullying, online safety, and how to respond to harassment on social media and gaming platforms.
- Workplace Bullying Institute - US nonprofit with information and resources specifically about workplace bullying and how to address it.
These are general starting points, not a diagnosis or a complete treatment plan.