Who is this guide for?
This guide is for school and college students who are being bullied, ragged or harassed, in person or online, and for parents and teachers who want to help. After reading it, you will know what to do, how to report it and which free helplines to call.
If you are in danger right now, call 112.
It is not your fault
Bullying is when someone hurts, threatens, insults or leaves out another person again and again. Ragging is bullying of students, often new students, in colleges and hostels. It can be about your looks, your caste, your religion, your family, your marks or anything else. It is never your fault, and you have the right to be safe.
What should you do?
- Get safe. Move away and go to a place with adults or friends.
- Tell someone you trust. A parent, teacher, warden or friend.
- Write down what happened. The date, time, place, what was said or done, and who saw it. Keep screenshots of messages.
- Report it to your school or college, and to a helpline.
- Look after yourself. Talk to someone about how you feel.
Who can you call?
| If you are | Call | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A college student facing ragging | Anti-Ragging Helpline 1800-180-5522 | Free, day and night. You can also complain at antiragging.in or email helpline@antiragging.in |
| A school student in Tamil Nadu | Student helpline 14417 | Tamil Nadu School Education Department helpline. Calls are confidential |
| A child under 18 who is unsafe | Child Helpline 1098 | Free, day and night |
| Harassed online | Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 | Or report at cybercrime.gov.in |
| Feeling low because of it | Tele-MANAS 14416 | Free, confidential support from counsellors |
| In danger right now | 112 | Emergency |
If the bullying is online
- Do not reply to the bully.
- Take screenshots of messages, profiles and links before anything is deleted.
- Block and report the account on the app.
- Report it on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in, especially if there are threats, or your photos are shared without permission.
For parents and teachers
- Signs to notice: a child who does not want to go to school, loses things, has unexplained injuries, or becomes quiet and upset after using the phone.
- Listen calmly and believe the child. Do not blame them.
- Talk to the school or college, and ask what action they will take.
- Help the child call a helpline if they need support.
Need help?
SEEDbridge volunteers can help you understand your options and reach the right office or helpline. Ask our volunteers. Our help is free and private.