Cathy Cassidy

* If things aren't too serious, try blanking the comments or laughing them off. Refuse to be wound up and the bully may get fed up and back off.

* If this doesn't work, keep a diary to record everything that is said/happens and show this to your parent/carer. Hopefully, they will help you speak to the school about what's happening.

* Tell a trusted teacher what's going on - staying silent only protects the bully and allows him/her to go on picking on others.

* If things don't improve, go back to the teacher and explain - or speak to a senior teacher. It can take time to beat the bullies.

* Check out a book to help you with all the latest advice... try:

Bullying by Michele Elliott (Hodder, £5.99)
Bullies, Bigmouths & So Called Friends by Jenny Alexander (Hodder, £4.99)

*Make sure your friends know what's happening - if they stick by you, the bullies will often leave you alone.

* Feeling low? Bullying can wreck your confidence, but there are solutions. Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk to an advisor in confidence.

Friends can be the best thing ever, but when a friendship goes wrong, boy does it hurt. If you're partly to blame, do your best to put things right. Even if you're not, try talking to your friend... let her know how much you care. Sometimes, friendships change as we grow... and sadly, best friends aren't always forever. If this happens to you, you have no choice but to let go and move on... and make new friends. How?

* Be open, friendly and interested in others. Don't be afraid to smile, chat, get involved.

* Give people a chance - don't just target the 'popular' kids. Everyone has something to give!

* Listen to others... a good listener makes a great friend.

* Join after-school clubs, classes or groups to meet new people.

* Suggest a day in town, an evening at the ice-rink, a picnic...

* What qualities would you like in a mate? Someone kind, trustworthy, thoughtful, caring, fun... try to be that kind of person yourself.

* Good friendships don't happen overnight. Be patient... you can never have too many friends.

Growing up is not a race, and having a boyfriend is not about keeping up with your mates. Don't start dating until you fall for a boy you really like - in personality as well as looks - and until you know you're ready for a relationship. If you have any doubts, you're not ready.

* Cupid can have rotten aim. The boy you fancy may not fancy you, and that's something you'll have to accept.

* A crush is a rehearsal for real-life love, and often the boy is way out of reach. Enjoy the crush - but don't expect anything more.

* Most boys are great, but some are users... avoid them.

* We all get our hearts broken some time. It feels like the end of the world, but you will survive... focus on friends, school and fun and the hurt will slowly fade.

* Treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Don't two-time, be honest but gentle, never dump someone by text or phone and don't play games with people's feelings.

* NEVER be pressured into doing anything you're not ready for - take it slowly. If your bf gets pushy, walk away - he's not worth it.

Growing up is always a tricky time, and few of us are as confident as we'd like to be. Getting a little more self-esteem can really make a difference...

* Sometimes it feels like everyone is watching you, waiting for you to mess up - they're not!

* Everyone feels shy/scared/embarrassed sometimes... it's not just you!

* Smile - act confident even if you're nervous. It helps!

* Don't run away from challenges. You can do it! Even if you get anxious, you CAN get through!

* Don't expect to be perfect - being YOU is good enough!

* Be your own best friend... don't run yourself down or tell yourself you're hopeless at maths/swimming/talking to boys. Believe in yourself. Tell yourself you CAN do it... think positive!

* Check out my fave confidence-boosting books:

Think Pink by Lisa Clark (Harper Collins, £7.99)
Beauty Licious by Lisa Clark (Harper Collins, £7.99)
Viva La Diva by Lisa Clark (Harper Collins, £4.99)
It's A Girl Thing by Lisa Clark (Harper Collins, £4.99)

Families come in all shapes and sizes, as my books show... and that doesn't matter, as long as they stick together and keep talking and trying to sort out any problems they may have. What happens when families are the problem, though? Parents aren't perfect... sometimes they have worries and troubles of their own, and that can make them stressy, grumpy and even unfair. Sometimes, they cross the line and cause us real pain and hurt. They're the people closest to us, but if we can't turn to them for help, what can we do?

* If you're worried, scared or unhappy about something that's happening at home, be brave and tell a trusted teacher. They will believe you, and they can help.

* If telling someone is too scary, write your problem down and hand it over - sometimes easier.

* Tell a friend. He/she can come with you to talk to a teacher, or just be a shoulder to cry on.

* Running away is never an answer. No matter what the problem, it can be sorted... if you ask for help.

* If you cannot talk to or write to someone you know, call ChildLine on 0800 1111. they will always listen, understand and help. Don't stay silent - help is out there.

Whatever the problem is, you're not alone... talk to ChildLine on 0800 1111. They're there for YOU.