Whispering something mean as someone else walks by. Starting a rumour that isn't true. Banging into someone 'accidentally' so that all their books and papers spill over the floor. It's all pretty childish, but what do you do when behaviour like this doesn't stop in the playground?

It can be pretty disconcerting to arrive at college and find that bullying can take place here. Becoming a third level student is such an empowering step, and it should be a time filled with the excitement of discovering a new found independence, of meeting new challenges, both academic and personal, and of having some serious fun. But all of this can be marred because of the behaviour of just a small number of people.

Anyone who has ever been bullied knows that it often doesn't take much to make you feel really lousy. That's part of the problem with bullies - they don't wear big neon signs that draw attention to their bully status, and they don't necessarily do obvious harm. Most cases of bullying or harassment don't involve lots of shouting or fist-fighting. Bullying can be insipid, or subtle, so that, at least at first, you're left wondering whether you're just imagining things, or being over-sensitive. But the truth is that if someone's behaviour leaves you feeling uncomfortable, intimidated or scared, then it's become a problem, and it's time to ask for help.

Bullying can be difficult to define, as what upsets one person might not bother another, but this isn't an excuse to ignore something that makes another person uncomfortable. If the behaviour can reasonably be described as offensive, undermines an individual's dignity, and particularly if it is repeated, then it's not just a bad joke at your expense - that's bullying.

Things like:

• Verbal abuse, sneering, jokes, people saying or writing put-downs about you
• Persistent criticism or sarcasm that is unfair or unjustified
• Gestures, pictures or graffiti that are inappropriate
• Unwanted physical contact
• Being humiliated, in public or in private
• Aggression

It's not just your fellow students that can sometimes be guilty of bullying - lecturers can be the perpetrators too. If a lecturer engages in any of the inappropriate behaviours above, insists upon setting impossible deadlines, or continually ignores or refuses your requests without good reason then you have a right to speak up. If you experience bullying or harassment at your job, then speak to your boss straight away, as they are obliged to provide you with a working environment free of these things. If it happens at college, then contact your local SU office - the Students' Union does not tolerate bullying, and we'll do what we can to help you resolve the situation, whether it's in the classroom, the corridor, or at your job.

It doesn't matter if you are harassed because of your race, your gender, or your disability - if you feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated, then speak up, and find the bully-free college experience you deserve.