Your experiences of online bullying

Newsround has been looking at the issue of online bullying after ChildLine said more than 4,500 children have called them for help.

Anti-bullying campaigner Alex Holmes visited the Newsround office to answer some of your questions.

Do you believe that there are many differences in the bullying experiences of girls and boys? (Hermione, Stafford)

Alex says: Perhaps people think that boys are a lot more physical, so the bullying they receive is physical - but we haven't really seen research to prove this. I think you can be bullied many different ways - it could be verbal, physical, indirect - and it doesn't really matter if you're a boy or a girl.

If you find a comment that you think is rude or mean on the internet, how do you do something about it without getting yourself involved in someone else's business? (Lowrie, Coventry)

Alex says: I think it's important that you do something about it. Maybe you report that online, maybe you find an adult. If you're worried about getting too involved, you don't have to - why not pass it on to an adult who will be able to deal with it?

Why do people bully others? (Alex, London)

Alex says: Some people bully because they've been bullied themselves. Other times they bully because they don't know that behaviour is not acceptable. Sometimes people are worried about differences or they don't know how to treat people who are different. I don't think there's one reason why people are bullied.

I have been bullied before on a game but then I deleted the game so I could never be bullied again. (Yusuf, Manchester)

Alex says: Some people do get bullied on games consoles and online - and I think he's done the right thing by deleting it. You could also think about reporting someone, blocking someone, taking a break from the game... but the most important thing is telling your mum and dad what's going on.

We couldn't answer every question, so if you're worried about bullying there are organisations that can help.

If you would like to talk to someone about being bullied call ChildLine on 0800 1111 - you can call about any problem, at any time, day or night. It's completely confidential.

You can also find out where to get help and advice in this Newsround guide.