Most of the time, school is great – but everyone goes through hard times.
At Wellington High, you matter to us. We will work with you, your family and your teachers to help you feel safe at school. Learning happens when you feel happy and settled.
On this page you can find information on how to take care of yourself when dealing with problems like bullying, gossip, stress and more. Often, asking for help from someone is the most important step you can take.
If you, or someone you know, needs support, the following options may be useful.
Talk to a trusted person in school
A trusted person is someone who you feel safe with and feel that you can talk to.
At Wellington High, we will:
- listen to you.
- commit to investigating and responding to incidents.
- work with you to find a way forward.
- take a restorative approach wherever we can to repair the harm.
- work with people outside school if we need to.
Who can you talk to?
- your rōpū teacher or your Dean
- one of our Guidance Counsellors: Email them at counselling@whs.school.nz
- another teacher or staff member who you trust
- a whānau member, sibling or friend
What can I do if:
- I see someone being bullied or I see a fight?
- I am being treated badly or bullied?
- I am worried about something online?
Talk to someone outside school
The following groups are really fantastic and can offer help and advice on all kinds of issues:
- The LowDown: Help on all kinds of areas to do with wellbeing. Free text: 5626 / Email: team@thelowdown.co.nz
- Youthline: All kinds of great advice on feelings and issues. Free phone: 0800 376 633 / Free text: 234
- OUTline: OUTLine is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation providing support to the rainbow community, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. Free phone 0800 688 5463 every evening, 6pm-9pm
- Kidsline: 24/7 helpline available. Call them for advice on 0800 54 37 53 anytime.
- Common Ground: Wellbeing and advice to help you or a friend
- Aunty Dee: Helping you find a solution to the issue
- Evolve: Mental health, physical health and social support
- Special phone helplines: This page will take you to a list of special helplines for a wide range of issues, such as depression, addiction, grief and more.
- Help for the tough times: Four sites that can help.
Online bullying and digital harm
You can contact:
- Netsafe: Really useful website with a section for young people, and a confidential help team
- ICON (IN Case of Online Negativity): Great new web app to have on your phone
Start the conversation…tell a friend
It can be hard to start a tricky conversation. You could try starting with, “Do you have a minute to talk?”, or “I’m having a hard time, can I tell you about it?”
Sometimes it can be easier talking when you are doing something else together, in a more comfortable environment, like walking to school, playing computer games or hanging out.
Your friend or family member may not be able to talk right then, so you could ask, “Is now a good time to talk? Or do you have time later?” Try to get a time when both of you won’t be distracted or in a rush to get somewhere.