Bullies try to make their victims feel like there is something wrong with them. The best way to beat any bully is to be happy and confident, and show them that they are not important.

Talk to your friends or a trusted adult if a bully persists - there is always a way to solve the problem.

Some bullies use text messages and the internet. Save any threatening messages you receive and tell an adult – if you let bullies get away with it they will have won and will do it again.

No one deserves to be bullied and you should be free to be yourself without fear.

Paul's story

"At lunchtime the other day I overheard Darren saying that James' bag was 'gay'. This really upset me as I think I might be gay.

Darren said 'gay' like it is something really bad and I'm wondering if I'm a bad person."

Darren said the word 'gay' as an insult suggesting that to be gay is wrong. He probably didn't mean it that way but Paul was offended.

You may not realise you are insulting someone when using certain words. Be careful about what you say as this may mean something different to another person.