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But what can we do to help? Awareness, knowing the signs and how to manage the situation are key in the fight to stand up to bullying. Counselling Directory team member, Matt shares his experience.

“I have first hand experience of bullying. My eldest daughter was a victim of this last year at senior school. She was in year nine (13 years old).

One day she came home and her mood and attitude were very different, she was quiet and snappy with any questions. I asked her what the matter was and she said that some boys had been nasty to her and she was upset.

We both went for a walk with our dog to the local fields as I wanted to have a chat with her away from the house, somewhere open and a little more relaxed.

When we started talking, she told me what was happening and how over a period of time a small group of boys had been making fun of her name and saying nasty things about her.

We will all be affected by bullying in someway, at some point in our lives. Whether you have been bullied in the past, have witnessed an act of bullying, are the parent of the bully or are the bully yourself – it will affect you.

Though there are times where the lines can blur. We surveyed 1300 people in the UK to find out more about bullying and where it takes place. Out of the 1300, 55% said they had been bullied and 78% of those recalled the bullying taking place during their school and college years.

But how do you know when childish banter turns to bullying? Does it really matter?

While there is no legal definition of bullying, it is usually defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically.

Counselling Directory team member, Ellen recalls an incident from school.

“I was fortunate enough to not have been bullied myself. I don’t think anyway...

To learn more about our own experiences, we sent a survey round the office. The survey explores bullying, asking if you have experienced bullying yourself, where it took place, in what form of bullying and if you sought help.

The results

The results showed that 67% of the Counselling Directory team have experienced bullying at some point in their lives. 100% of those said that the bullying was in verbal form, though physical and online were also mentioned. 92% said that the bullying took place during school and college.

When asked if they sought support for the bullying, 54% said no. The remaining 46% said that the support they received was from family and friends.

Affected by bullying? Whether you are a counsellor, the victim or someone who has been affected by bullying, get involved and take part in our full