Bullying

Bullying usually takes place at school or in the workplace.

Colleagues or classmates are continuously harassed, embarrassed, shunned in a passive form as a refusal of contact or treated in some other antisocial way and their dignity is violated in this way.

Bullying is not an isolated act, but a systematic dynamic develops. Bullying can be verbal (e.g. verbal abuse, insults, blame, spreading rumors), non-verbal (e.g. withholding information, ignoring) or physical (e.g. beating up). All types of bullying are usually considered hostile, aggressive, destructive and unethical. However, not every act of bullying constitutes a criminal offense.

If, however, insults, bodily harm, damage to property or theft occur, the threshold for criminal liability is reached.

Finding help quickly

In North Rhine-Westphalia, those affected can contact the MobbingLine NRW directly. Behind the central bullying hotline for North Rhine-Westphalia is an advice network that aims to encourage those affected to take the first step towards overcoming the problem of bullying. The networking of existing advice services offered by several cooperation partners makes it possible to access continuous, personal and confidential advice throughout the state.

The MobbingLine NRW can be reached by calling 0211 837 1911 .

This is where those affected currently receive help on the following topics:

• Advice on the question of whether the case in question is bullying
• Strengthening those seeking advice and positive signals to support them
• Advice on initial steps and options for action
• Referral to addresses close to home for further process support

The MobbingLine concept is being continuously expanded. Those affected and involved can find further information on the topic of bullying on the Internet portal for children and young people "Polizei für dich" (Police for you) and on the North Rhine-Westphalia education portal of the Ministry of Schools and Education of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.