What should I do if I need help?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just need someone to talk to, you're not alone—and there are people who care and want to help.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Speak with someone who can listen and support you, like:
- A friend
- A parent or carer
- A family member
- Your Form Tutor
- Class Teacher
- Head of Year
- Head of Pastoral Care
- Any adult you feel safe with
- You can also send a private message through your school's communication app (e.g. Seesaw, Google Classroom, ClassDojo).
- Keep a Record: Write down what’s been happening. If you experience inappropriate online communication:
- Report it to the social media platform
- Block the user
- Do not respond
- Find New Connections: Explore opportunities to meet new people by joining:
- Morning clubs
- Lunchtime activities
- After-school groups
These can be great ways to build friendships and boost confidence.
- Stay Positive: You’ve taken a brave step by speaking up. Keep focusing on the good things in your life:
- Celebrate what makes you unique
- Practice positive self-talk
- Try stress-relieving activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy
- Get Involved in School: Consider speaking to your student council about:
- Starting a peer support scheme
- Creating a student-led committee to promote wellbeing
What should I do if a friend needs help?
Being there for a friend who’s struggling can make a big difference. Here’s how you can support them:
- Listen with care – Give your friend space to share what’s bothering them. Just being there matters.
- Reassure them – Let them know it’s okay to talk about their feelings and that they were brave to open up.
- Encourage them to seek help – Gently suggest they speak to a trusted adult or member of staff.
- Offer to go with them – Sometimes, just having someone by their side makes it easier to ask for help.
What happens when you speak to a teacher or member of staff?
If you share a concern with a teacher, classroom assistant, or any trusted adult at school, you’ll be listened to with care and respect. The staff, alongside school leaders, will work in a supportive and relational way to help everyone involved.
Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll be invited to share what’s worrying you in a safe and private space.
- Staff will keep a secure digital record of what you’ve shared and any agreed support plans.
- They’ll help identify whether the behaviour described is socially unacceptable or could be considered as bullying type behaviour.
- A support plan will be created in partnership with you and your parents or carers, focused on helping all children involved and putting an end to any unwanted behaviours.
Primary & Post Primary Guides
Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour in School - Primary Pupil Leaflet