Different types of bullying

Homophobic bullying

Homophobic bullying is any method of bullying that you feel is being done to you because of your sexuality.

This can include others making nasty comments about your sexuality and spreading rumours about it.

This kind of bullying could be being done to you for a number of reasons - for example because you are quiet, good looking or you have close friends of the same sex. It also may be that the person doing this kind of bullying is used to being around other people who act in the same way.

If the bullying gets violent you should contact the police who have a specialist unit to deal with this.

Racist bullying

Racist bullying is where you are bullied because of your culture, religion, skin colour or where you come from.

You don’t have to have a different skin colour to suffer from this type of bullying - it may simply be because you are from a different country.

Everyone has the right to have their culture and religion respected. If you are being bullied in this way then remember that racist bullying is illegal and can be stopped.

Tell your parents or carers about what is being done to you so that they can contact the school or college.

Keep a record of who is doing and saying what, so that the school or college can refer to it. If the problem still isn’t being sorted out then make a complaint to the police.

Sexist bullying

Sexist bullying is where you are bullied because of your gender and can happen to both men and women.

This type of bullying can range from name-calling to physical sexual assault and is usually done by the bully because of their own stereotypical views of male and female roles.

Examples of sexist bullying include:

• nasty name calling
• comments about physical appearance that are not welcome
• spreading rumours
• inappropriate touching and/or propositions
• drawings or graffiti of a sexual nature
• in extreme form sexual assault or rape.

You can be made to feel guilty about saying 'no' to any of the above, but it is important to deal with it by talking to someone you trust. If things get really bad you should tell the police.

Disability bullying

Disability bullying could be done to you because you have a disability or a special educational need.

Because of people’s prejudices about disability and lack of understanding of different conditions they may see you as 'different' or 'vulnerable' and therefore an easy target to pick on.

If you have returned to school or college after spending time in hospital you may find there are false rumours being spread about you or that you attract extra attention because people want to know more about you. Take care and make sure sure any friends you make are supportive and make you feel good.