What to do about bullying at university

Going to university, you will navigate new people and new friendships and that comes with new challenges. In some unfortunate situations, students may experience bullying or harassment while studying. This can be something that has not only a negative effect on your mental health but also on your studies. Universities will have their codes of conduct to ensure if anything like this happens, you will be supported and the right people will be reprimanded.

Types of bullying

Bullying is behaviour that a person carries out with the sole purpose of hurting others. This isn't just physical hurt but also mental harm. With social media changing, bullying can present itself in many different ways. It can include but is not limited to:

• Cyberbullying
• Social and emotional bullying
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Name-calling
• Discrimination
• Racism
• LGBTQ+ discrimination

Cyberbullying and trolling

Cyberbullying is becoming the most common form of bullying amongst students with it being reported that 1 in 10 students experience cyberbullying. Whether it's private texts, emails, social media DMs or more public videos or photos shared at someone's expense, these are all types of cyberbullying.

Prejudice bullying

If you feel you are being bullied based on a protected characteristic such as your race, sexual orientation, disability, or religion, the university will take this incredibly seriously and will do what's in their power to support you in making the necessary steps to stop this from happening.

Who can I speak to if I experience bullying at university?

Your Students' Union is there to support students struggling with any issues at university, and that includes bullying - they can point you in the right direction to resources and the right people, and raise it the university as a larger issue on campus to make sure this isn't something that continues to happen.

If there is a tutor you feel comfortable speaking to, whether a personal tutor or a lecturer within your department, they will be able to support you and help raise the issue to the right people, so the university can investigate and make necessary adjustments to your study or living arrangements.

If you have friends at university or back home, as well as your family, talk to them about what you're experiencing. It's not nice to feel like you're going through something alone. They can offer you guidance and a kind ear as you navigate through this difficult time.

In some instances, if the bullying isn't taking place at university or you don't feel they are giving you the support you need, the police are there. They have anti-bullying initiatives which include meeting others affected by bullying so you can feel less alone in the situation. If the bullying is severe or is considered a hate crime, the police can go as far as caution those involved and speak to them in a formal capacity.

What if bullying took place off of the university campus?

Wherever the bullying happens, you should still report this to your university. They have a duty of care to make sure you are safe, and this includes off-campus. Even if the bullying includes someone who doesn't go to the university, still inform them as you will be protected by the rules and regulations of the university. They will help you talk to the police if needed as well.

Important contacts to have

Whether you're currently experiencing bullying, know someone who is or want to note this down just in case, here is a list of helplines that can provide you advice and support for those experiencing bullying.

And if you're struggling, know that you're not alone and taking the first step in talking to someone is a positive thing.