Hayley, Andre, Shannon, Georgina, Leigh and friends talked about bullying on buses. We wrote this article to help anyone who uses buses and trains and worries about bullying.
Bullying and hate crime can happen on a bus when you travel to your home or school, college and work.
Bullying can happen late at night or during the day.
Some young people worry that they may be called bad names, teased or punched.
Some people worry that their phones may be taken.
Some people worry about their freedom pass being stolen because it’s worth a lot of money.
Some young people worry that they are more likely to be bullied on a bus than in other places like a classroom.
Everyone has a right to be safe when they use a bus or train.
Everyone has a right to use transport so they can enjoy life and do things like shop or go to school or meet friends.
There are things you can do to make sure you are safe as possible on a bus or train.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1. Plan ahead.
Think about what you will do if someone bullies you.
Think about who you will tell and how you will respond.
2. Keep numbers with you.
Carry telephone numbers with you and use them. Keep helpful numbers in your telephone or in a diary. For example, you can keep numbers for the police, your parents or carers or help lines.
Make sure your phone is always charged.
3. Report it.
Report it to someone like parents, carers, teachers or the police.
You can stop bullying from happening to you and you can stop it from happening to other people.
4. Remember, you have a right to feel safe.
It’s not ok to bully anyone or hurt them. It’s against the law.
This poster reminds us not to tolerate bullying and hate crime. You can download the poster on the link below.
http://www.report-it.org.uk/files/disability_hate_crime_-_bus_poster.pdf
5. Build your confidence.
It you need help using a bus or train ask your borough about Independent Travel programmes. These programmes can help you with things like timetables and tickets. Sometimes they can also help you work out ways to keep safe if you are walking or riding a bike.
5. Keep your confidence.
If you are bullied – or you are scared of being bullied – then talk to someone about it.
You may feel like you are too scared to leave the house or catch a bus or train.
But it is important that you feel confident again so you can enjoy life and use transport to go about your daily life.
