Keeping a record of it is important – it is not necessary to read the messages, but it is important evidence to keep so don’t erase or delete the messages. Save everything, including any text messages, emails, messages in instant messaging or chat, or material on websites, including the time and date where relevant. It may help you to find out who is sending the messages if you don’t already know, and it will definitely make the situation easier to explain to someone when you tell them.

It is important to tell someone about what is happening as the situation will only get better if this happens. Tell your parent or carer, or a teacher or counsellor at school. Even telling your friends can help. Tell your phone provider or Internet service provider - they may be able to help you to block the calls/texts/emails from particular senders. If the bullying is threatening or harassing then you should tell your local police. There are other organisations who you can talk to and who may be able to help – in the UK you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk online to Cybermentors, young people who have been trained to help other young people. Also visit websites which give advice just about bullying, e.g. www.bullying.org and www.bullying.co.uk.

Replying to bullying messages, particularly in anger, is just what the bully wants. By not replying the bully may think that you did not receive the message, or that you saw it but it didn’t bother you.

It is possible to block messages from certain senders on email, Messenger and Chat, and on your phone (speak to your phone provider about this). If blocking doesn’t work and the messages are still coming then you can look at changing your contact details (your email, your phone number, your username).

The victims of bullying can feel very alone. If you can reach out to them you could really be making someone’s life so much better.