DON'T BE BULLIED

If you are a victim of bullying or know someone who is call free on:

NSPCC HELPLINE: 0808 800 5000

or click onto www.nspcc.org

CHILDLINE HELPLINE: 0800 1111

For advice click onto www.childline.org.uk

THE News of the world is at the forefront of the war against bullying with our Helping Hand Campaign.

We launched it in 2003 after tragic victim Karl Peart took his own life and left behide a hear-rending suicide note with his hand print, which has now become our symbol of hope.

Our campaign aims are:

APPOINTMENT of a Children's Commissioner to investigate complaints.

HEADS to get ultimate power to expel bullies.

OFSTED inspectors to grade schools on bullying.

LAUNCH an anti-bullying charter signed by all schools.

ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR PARENTS

TALK to your child on a regular basis, so any problem is easier to share.

LISTEN to what they say - and believe it

ENCOURAGE your child to feel good about themselves realising that we are all different and equally important.

THINK back to your own childhood. How did YOU feel?

IF you believe your child is being, bullied or is a bully, talk to other adults at home or school and explore the options. Don't stay silent.

IF your child is a victim assure them that it's not their fault, and that you ARE going to do something to help.

BE realistic in your expectation if the school have agreed to sort it out. Ongoing problems may take time to resolve.

TRY to be assertive with the school, not aggressive. Without a good working relationship between parents and the school the situation could deteriorate, which won't help you or them

ALWAYS remember that children can't solve bullying alone. They NEED support

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

TELL someone you can trust! A problem becomes smaller if it is shared

WALK away if you can. It's still hard to bully someone who won't stand still

STAY with a crowd. Try not to be on your own at the times you don't feel safe

KNOW and AVOID the "danger" areas.

KEEP a record of what is happening

DON'T be embarrassed to ask for help. We all need it sometimes.

TRY to support other victims

ASK your parents or carers to contact the school

And remember, it is NOT your fault.

For further information go to:

www.anti-bullyingalliance.org

www.kidscape.org.uk

www.bullying.co.uk

www.beatbullying.org

Our Helping Hand campaign logo is based on a handprint painting by schoolboy Karl Peart, who took his own life at just 16 after being tormented by bullies

Ruth Kelly, Education Secretary, said: "The News of the World's commitment to the Helping Hand campaign has helped schools get the issue out in the open and helped stop children suffering in silence" October 23, 2005