Bullying, Cyberbullying and Hate Crime

20% of children in Suffolk admit to having been cyberbullied – and 74% say they know someone it has happened to

On this page we cover:

1. What is bullying?
2. What is cyberbullying?
3. What is hate crime and how to report it
4. What should I do?
5. Help

What is bullying?

Bullying can happen anywhere and the aim is to hurt you. It can include:

• name calling including racist and homophobic bullying
• kicking or hitting
• taking your things
• spreading rumours
• excluding you from things
• cyberbullying – report online abuse

What is cyberbullying?

The word cyberbullying is used to describe bullying that happens online, and it can include anything from aggressive messages to trolling, to posting altered and offensive pictures. 

What makes it more complicated is that it can be easier for the bully to be anonymous and it can be 24/7.

Local research in Suffolk showed that if you have a disability, your risk of being cyberbullied is more than double that of your non-disabled peers.

The film below was produced with Community Action Suffolk and our Young Person’s Health Ambassador.

It is all about bullying and taking photos of things which could upset people. These are serious issues in secondary schools.

“What is hate crime?”

A hate crime is any crime which is motivated because of any of the following:

• Race
• Religion 
• Disability
• Sexual orientation 
• Transgender identity

A hate incident is defined as – any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence but which is perceived by the victim or anyone else as being motivated by prejudice or hate. Watch the video below which explains about hate crime.

“How do I report it?”

If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime you can report it by:

• Using the Suffolk Police online reporting form  
• Calling 101 but if it is an emergency call 999
• Report it anonymously online via the True Vision website 
• Visit the Norfolk Suffolk Victim Care website

You may also like to visit Home – Stop Hate UK

What help is available?

If you’ve been affected by hate crime and would like support, contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care on 0300 303 3706. Crimes do not have to be reported to the police to access this free and confidential service.

The #StoptheHate video below was created with young people from West Suffolk College to raise awareness of the impact being unkind can have and reminds everyone to ‘be nice’.

Remember it's not your fault and it is important to get support for your emotional wellbeing if you need it - speak to someone.

What should I do?

“Just stay offline!” – is a familiar response if you are being cyberbullied. However we do many different things online, so ignoring the problem isn’t easy, and just makes you feel isolated.  

If you’re the victim, don’t suffer in silence. 

You need to tell someone – it can feel scary to tell someone, but more young people then ever are reporting bullying so they should take your problems seriously and support you.

Bullying and Cyberbullying is not something that you can tackle on your own.

The best thing to do is to talk about what is happening with parents, carers, an older brother or sister or another adult that you trust.

Connecting with people online:

Here are our top tips so that you can keep yourself safe and still enjoy being online.
1) Think about who you are making friends with online - who are they?
2) Set up privacy settings on accounts 
3) Don't give out personal information
4) Tell someone if you are being bullied
5) Think about what you post - don't upset other people

Read more about it in our 'Life Online FAQs'.

Watch this uplifting video about making friends.

Where can I get support?

If talking about it face to face with someone you know is too difficult, try one of these:

• Kooth – A free confidential online service for young people in Suffolk.
• ChatHealth – Text to speak to a school nurse.
• ChildLine – Provide a helpline and community message boards to support young people.

Useful resources

• Report it! – If a young person is at risk of sexual abuse or harm then head here to report it.

• Thinkyouknow is a great guide to internet safety and safe surfing for young people