Bullying is when someone deliberately hurts, harasses or intimidates someone else. It can involve physically or verbally aggressive or threatening behaviour. It can also involve more subtle behaviours such as ignoring or undermining someone. Bullying involves an abuse or misuse of power. It can be associated with personal characteristics such as age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
We often hear about bullying happening during childhood however this kind of behaviour can also happen in adulthood, for example, in the workplace. Bullying can be one an element of domestic abuse (see Related sections below).
Bullying can have a significantly negative impact on your life. Recent studies also show that the impact of childhood bullying can last a life time. Adults who were bullied in childhood are more likely to experience significant low mood, to feel anxious and to have a poor opinion of themselves (low self esteem). Bullying in adulthood can make life very hard and impact negatively on health, wellbeing and self belief.
See below for sites offering advice and support, including resources to help you cope with workplace bullying. And see also related sections on Moodcafe.
The charity Bullying UK runs a website that has lots of information and advice on bullying (for children ad adults), including Cyberbullying and Bullying in the Workplace.Respectme, Scotland's Anti-Bullying Service, provides information on anti-bullying policies.
Provides information and free advice for anyone dealing with bullying.
NHS website on bullying at work
Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act see: www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment
Domestic violence
Low self esteem
Feeling low, anxious or stressed