Safety & Inclusion

Bullying

11 Mar 2025 4 min read

Bullying can happen to anyone, at any age and in any setting. While it is often thought of as something that happens in the school playground, many adults experience bullying too, whether at work, in their community or online. Wherever it happens, it can have a lasting impact on a person’s confidence, mental health and wellbeing.

Because bullying can be subtle and often happens out of sight, it isn’t always easy to recognise. People who are being bullied may feel ashamed, frightened or worried that speaking up will make things worse. Knowing the signs, and knowing where to turn, can help make sure no one has to deal with it alone.

In this support hub, we explain what bullying is, the different forms it can take, the signs that someone may be being bullied at school or at work, and how cyberbullying has changed the way it happens. You’ll also find trusted resources for young people, adults, parents, caregivers and friends at the end of the page.

While we often associate that is it children who are mainly involved in bullying as both the target and perpetrator, it can however occur at any age

It is not uncommon amongst adults especially in the workplace

Bullying is more than two people having a fall out or have a disagreement it is the repetitive intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group. It is usually where the relationship involves an imbalance of power

Bullying is defined as “behaviour by an individual or group usually repeated over time which intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally”

There are three main types of bullying:

Physical	Kicking, pushing, hitting or theft
Emotional	Isolating someone from games or activities, not allowing them to be part of the peer group
Verbal	Name calling, threats, racial or homophobic comments.

However these are just an example, and bullying can occur in many other forms

Signs that may indicate that someone is being bullied:

Changes in behaviour which indicate fear or anxiety
Choosing to avoid locations and events which they had previously enjoyed
Spending time alone or appearing withdrawn
Their attitude towards school or organised activities may change

If an adult is being bullied at work:

You may notice a change in their attitude
Having more time off sick
Being less involved in any social events that take place outside of work
They stop talking about work or their day

If you notice any changes in behaviours, you should take them seriously as there is often a reason why these changes take place which shouldn’t just be ignored

With the increase of social media and use of the internet, bullying is no longer limited to the school setting or workplace, and often continues online which is known as Cyberbullying, this means the victim cannot escape the perpetrator or group and the abuse continues, just in another form

If you are being bullied or you are concerned about someone else who is being bullied, help and support is available you don’t have to deal with it alone

Our list of resources covers a range of bullying, from young people at school age, to workplace bullying for adults, as well as links for cyberbullying and advice for parents and caregivers to help support someone else