Nearly everyone is bullied at some time in their lives - by brothers and sisters, by neighbours, by parents, friends, or classmates.

Bullying hurts.  It makes people miserable.  It can make you so worried that you can't work well at school or you may even want to skip school to get away from it.  It can make you feel that you are no good, that there is something wrong with you.  Bullies can make you feel that it's your fault.

Some people think that bullying is just part of growing up and a way for young people to learn to stick up for themselves.  But bullying can make young people feel lonely, unhappy and frightened.

If you are being bullied you may feel unsafe and think there is something wrong with you.  Your confidence may be low and you may not want to go to school any more.  You may feel sick more and you may lose contact with your friends.

Nobody has the right to hurt other people by hitting them, calling them names, or spreading rumours about them.  Bullying also includes taking your stuff, damaging your belongings, stealing your money and taking your friends away from you, or by doing anything else which is meant to be upsetting.

Anyone can be bullied no matter what you look like or who you are ... lets face it - for a bully any excuse will do!

If this is happening to you tell yourself that it is not your fault, and that it is the bullies who need to change, not you!  Remember, no-one deserves to be bullied.

• Make sure you check out the 'Bullying Online' web site for lots of great tips and advice (find it in Who's choosing 'Useful Links' section) ...>>