What is bullying?

Sometimes, people get confused about what is and isn’t bullying.

People can think that someone saying something they don’t like is bullying – but it’s not. Bullying is different from conflict or unkindness.

Bullying behaviours:

•Are aggressive, unkind or mean behaviours

•Are repeated behaviours (it must happen multiple times, in an ongoing way to be defined as bullying)

•Happen on purpose

Bullying is not the same as

•Being rude – saying or doing something hurtful that wasn’t planned or meant to hurt someone, e.g. someone pushing in front of you in the canteen line

•Being mean – doing something hurtful to someone on purpose once or twice, e.g. a friend refusing to play with you one day

•Conflict – having a disagreement with a friend, e.g. two friends getting into an argument and saying mean things to each otherevery time they talk about sport.”

•A friend putting in a ‘boundary’ e.g. “I don't like it when you keep telling me what to do.”

•Natural consequences in socializing.

Types of bullying

Bullying can be direct (happening to your face) or indirect (happening 'behind your back'), and overt (very obvious and observable) or covert (subtle and hard to prove). There are a few different types of bullying, including:

Cyberbullying - stuff like mean texts, emails, posts, images or videos

Verbal bullying – using words to make you feel upset, angry, embarrassed, etc. E.g. teasing, name calling, yelling, etc.

Physical bullying – stuff that hurts or harms your body, e.g. kicking, tripping, hitting. Physical bullying can also include things like damaging your possessions

Social bullying – stuff done to hurt your reputation. It can be verbal, like spreading rumours or playing mean jokes, or non-verbal like pretending not to hear a person when they speak or leaving them out 

I'm being bullied - what should I do?

These things can help stop bullying:

•Stay calm - don't react emotionally (people who bully usually want you to get angry or upset)

•Report it - tell trustworthy adults and keep talking to them until the bullying stops; reporting it helps keep people safe (and isn't the same as 'dobbing' which is about getting someone in trouble over nothing)

•Get support - bullying can affect your mental health and self-worth - having the support of family, friends, teachers and/or professionals can make a big difference

Bullying can be harmful for mental health.

You’re not alone – support is always available.

Bullying behaviour hurts everyone, including the people being bullied, those witnessing the bullying and those doing the bullying.

Bullying is not an individual or personal problem – which means it's not your fault if you’re being bullied. Bullying is a really complicated social problem – and it’s everyone’s’ responsibility to prevent and address bullying.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that alters a person’s thoughts, behaviours and experience of reality, and has a significant impact on their ability to function in everyday life. 

If your friend, family member or somebody you care about has schizophrenia, it can be confusing to know how or even if you can help them. 

Let’s look at what schizophrenia is, and how you can support someone who has this condition. 

What happens when someone has schizophrenia?

The main symptom of schizophrenia is ‘psychosis’, which alters a person’s experience of reality.

Psychosis includes:

• Delusions – a belief that conflicts with reality. 
• Hallucinations – perceiving something not there. 
• Disordered thoughts and speech – thoughts that struggle to form or come all at once, stopping mid-sentence, not making sense, etc.
• Disordered behaviour – strange actions or gestures, or showing inappropriate emotions in the wrong context. 
• Catatonic behaviour – a condition in which there is a disconnect between thoughts and movements, like being unresponsive (frozen), copying others’ words or movements, or being unable to speak.

Some people with schizophrenia may also experience other symptoms, like reduced emotional expression (e.g. being ‘flat’), low motivation, memory or concentration difficulties, or loss of interest or pleasure in things they used to enjoy.

There is no right or wrong way to have a family.

Families can be made up of many different people and relationships.

You might think the ‘ideal family’ is one where everyone gets along and is loving, supportive and close. However in reality, that’s not always the case!

In every family are unique individuals with different needs, personalities, opinions and ways of doing things.

With so many different people interacting with one another, it’s common for this to create tension and lead to disagreements, especially when a family is faced with challenges or changes.

It’s time to make some new friends!

You might have started a new school, moved to a new class or joined a new team or activity. Making new friends can make us feel nervous or excited (or maybe both!).

Choosing your new friends

Friends are people that you have fun with and feel safe with. Look for people who are nice to you, include you in things and like doing some of the same things you do!

It’s easier to make friends when you smile!

When you smile, other kids see you as nice and easy to talk to. They might be feeling nervous about making friends too, so when you smile it helps them to feel relaxed around you.

Show them you want to be friends

You could say something nice about them, they might have nice hair or run really fast.  You could also try to get to know them better - ask about what TV show or sport they like.

A new baby sister or brother, WOW!

A new baby can be exciting. They are cute, cuddly and special. They can also be noisy and a bit smelly if they need their nappy changed.

A baby can mean changes for your family

The way you and your family do things at home might change.  At first your parents may be busy with the baby and it might feel like they have less time to do fun things with you.

Let Mum and Dad know how you feel

You can tell your parents how to help you. You might want time alone with them, some space to yourself or even just a hug. Your feelings are important.

Having a little brother or sister can be fun!

It might be hard at the start when they can’t play with you and they cry a lot, but with time you just might begin to love them and find ways to have fun together.