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12 Ways to beat Bullies

1. By law, schools must have a way of dealing with bullying. Use your school's anti- bullying policy to get help and if you're not sure how it works, talk to your teacher or head teacher.

Don't become resigned to being a victim. You CAN help yourself and get others to help you.

2. TELL a friend what is happening. It will be harder for the bully to pick on you if you have a pal with you for support.

3. TRY to ignore the bully or say "No!" really firmly, then walk away.

Don't worry if people think you are running away - it is very hard for the bully to go on picking on someone who won't stand still to listen to their threats.

4. MOST bullied children have negative body language - hunched up and looking at the floor. Try to stand straight and make eye contact with people.

5. IF you don't want to do something, don't give in to pressure. Be firm. Remember, everyone has the right to say no.

6. SIMPLY repeat a statement again and again. "No, you can't have my lunch money, no you can't have my lunch money!" The bully will get bored because they're not getting anywhere and give up.

7. MAKE your phrase short and precise. Say "It's my pencil." Or "Go away." Firmly.

8. DON'T show that you are upset or angry. Bullies love to get a reaction - it's "fun". Keep calm and hide your emotions - the bully might get bored and leave you alone.

9. MAKE up funny or clever replies in advance. They don't have to be brilliant, but it helps to have an answer ready. Practise saying them at home. If the bully says: "Give me your sweets", you could say: "OK, but my dog licked them so they don't taste very nice."

10. AVOID being alone in places where you know the bully is likely to be. This might mean changing your route to school, or avoiding certain parts of the playground, or using toilets when other people are there. It's not fair, but might put the bully off. Remember, your safety is the most important thing to consider.

11. STOP thinking like a victim. If you have been bullied for a long time, you might start to believe what the bully says - that you're ugly, awful and no one will ever like you. This is "victim-think".

12. MAKE a list of all the good things you can think of about yourself. Talk to yourself in a positive way. Say: "I may not look like a film star, but I'm good at maths and have a brilliant sense of humour."

Helpful site for parents and children www.kidscape.com