Bullies can make your life a misery on the journey to and from school but there are things you and your parents/carers can do about it.

On the school bus, try to sit near the driver, or if it's an ordinary bus, by other adults. If you have to walk part of the way, and you're afraid of being ambushed, then vary your route, try to leave home and school a bit later or a bit earlier, or see if you can walk with other people who live near you, even if they're older or younger.

Many streets, shops and businesses now have CCTV so if you're attacked in the street the police may be able to get filmed evidence.

Schools often refuse to take action on bullying if it happens off the premises but they do have the power to punish bullies if the bullying happens on the way to and from school.

How your parents can help

If you're being bullied on the bus your parents or carer should write to the school to make a complaint and they could also make a complaint to the council department that deals with school transport and ask if the bully can have his/her bus pass withdrawn for a week or so in the hope that the inconvenience to them and their parents will mean they behave better.

Your mum and dad or carer could also make a complaint to the bus firm because if there is trouble on the bus which distracts the driver the firm might be pleased to have the chance to complain to the school about it.

If you feel unsafe while walking to school you could get a personal safety alarm. These only cost a few pounds and look like a key ring. The loud noise they make will attract the attention of passers-by and frighten the bully off.

Expensive goodies are tempting to muggers so don't flash your mobile or your MP3 player about, put them in an inside pocket.

If you need help from Bullying UK email us here