Exclusion and bullying · Ages 8–12
When you feel left out or are being picked on
Perhaps others walk away together without you, someone says hurtful things, or you dread break time. Feeling left out or being picked on can hurt, even when nobody hits or pushes you. You can tell an adult what is happening and how you feel. You have a right to feel safe and well at school. The adults there are responsible for looking into what is happening and helping you.
Perhaps others walk away together without you, someone says hurtful things, or you dread break time. Feeling left out or being picked on can hurt, even when nobody hits or pushes you. You can tell an adult what is happening and how you feel. You have a right to feel safe and well at school. The adults there are responsible for looking into what is happening and helping you.
01
Feeling left out
Sometimes you are not invited, others move away, or you feel that you do not belong. This can hurt even when nobody says anything directly.
02
Being picked on can take different forms
It may involve teasing, exclusion, rumours, comments, pushing, messages or other actions that make you feel unsafe.
03
Tell an adult
An adult at home, a teacher or a school nurse can help. Explain as specifically as you can what is happening.
04
If the first adult does not understand
Try explaining what happens, where it happens and how it affects your school day. For example, you could say, 'I dread breaktime because the others always walk away from me.' You can also write a note with someone you trust. If help stops or nothing changes, tell another adult or the headteacher. You do not have to prove that what is happening is called bullying to get help when you feel unsafe. The school must investigate how you are doing and find measures that help.
05
Your school must help you
The adults at school must pay attention and help when a student feels unsafe. They may need to change what happens in the classroom, during breaks or in contact between students. You can describe how you experience the situation and what you need. Together with an adult, you might ask, 'Who will follow this up with me, and when will we talk again?' The help must be reviewed if school still feels difficult. You should not have to carry the responsibility for getting others to stop bullying or excluding you.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.