What to do if you're being bullied

Those who bully like to think that they have power over their targets, so you need to remove that power.

There are things you can do to deflect people who bully:

• Act more confident. If a person who bullies feels that they don't have any power over you, it takes the 'fun' out of it for them
• Hang around with friends or an adult at times when you're most in danger of being bullied
• Don't fight back. It can make the situation worse
• Tell someone

Breaking the silence is the most important part in fighting back against bullying. If you've kept a diary of when the bullying has been taking place, this can help you when you tell a teacher or parent what's been going on. Most schools have anti-bullying guidelines and will take your complaint seriously.

If it feels like you're getting nowhere, ask your parents to write to the head teacher, outlining what's been going on.

If you're being bullied at work, there are many things you can do to make the bullying stop. Try and find out about the grievance procedure where you work and have a word with your line manager. If your line manager is bullying you, then find out the identity of their superior, and take it to them. Most firms won't want it to go as far as a tribunal and will take your complaint seriously.

Don't listen to what the person bullying you is saying. Bullying in the workplace often relates to the bully's own insecurities about their job and picking holes in your work makes them feel better.

Don't be tempted to take days off work to avoid seeing the person that's bullying you. Not only are you playing right into their hands, but you may also damage your case if you were to take it to a manager.

If you've complained to the firm but don't feel like you're getting anywhere, you might want to get in touch with the Employment Tribunals office.

Online or mobile phone bullying

If you're being targeted by mobile phone, contact your service provider with details of the calls or texts that are causing you concern. Mobile phone companies take cases like this seriously and can trace people who think they are calling or texting anonymously.

You may also want to change your SIM card in your mobile. It's not fair that you have to do this, but it is an easy solution. You still need to tell somebody what's going on.

If you're being targeted online or by email, contact your internet service provider and also the company who provides your email. If you can produce written evidence of what's been going on, it may be possible to block the bully's account.

Never give out your email address or mobile number in chat rooms. Be aware of who you're chatting to online. Someone claiming to be the same sex, age and have similar interests to you might not be telling the truth.