About bullying
Bullying at school or online can cause anxiety, isolation, low mood and school refusal. Psychological support helps the child or teenager and the family, and professionals can coordinate with the school. If there is immediate risk, involve the school and, if needed, the authorities.
Social psychologists study and intervene in how groups, communities and social context influence behaviour: coexistence, discrimination, community programmes and group processes in organisations.
Getting mental health care in Malta
Public health system · Mental Health Services (Ministry for Health)
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Malta Psychology Profession Board. The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists. Search the official register
- Psychotherapy Profession Board. Psychotherapists need a warrant issued by the Psychotherapy Profession Board. Search the official register
- Medical Council Malta. Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Council and listed in its specialist register for psychiatry. Search the official register
Urgent help in Malta
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 1579 · Mental Health Helpline 1579
- 179 · Supportline 179
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: servizz.gov.mt, servizz.gov.mt, mentalhealthservices.gov.mt, medicalcouncil.gov.mt
Signs to look out for
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm by others, whether physical, verbal, social exclusion or online. Signs in a child or teenager may include not wanting to go to school, unexplained injuries or damaged belongings, changes in mood or sleep, headaches or stomach aches, dropping grades, losing friends, or becoming anxious after using their phone. Many young people do not tell adults straight away.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective responses combine action at school, with whole-school anti-bullying programmes and clear protocols, and emotional support for the young person. Psychologists, child and adolescent psychologists and educational psychologists can help with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and social skills, often using cognitive-behavioural approaches. Family guidance helps parents respond calmly. Support may also be offered to those who bully.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager has been seriously assaulted, is being threatened with violence, or expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, which should always be taken seriously. Seek urgent help too when there is sexual harassment, extortion or sharing of intimate images online, and keep evidence such as screenshots.
What you can do in the meantime
Listen calmly, believe the young person and tell them it is not their fault. Avoid confronting the other child or family directly; instead, document what happened and contact the school to agree on a plan. Help them stay connected to friends and activities outside school. Review privacy settings together for online bullying, and keep checking in regularly.
What does a social psychologist do?
A social psychologist studies how other people, groups and social context shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In applied practice they work on topics such as prejudice, group conflict, community well-being, health behaviour, social inclusion and organisational culture. They design and evaluate programmes, facilitate groups, train teams and advise organisations, schools, local services or community projects.
When to see a social psychologist
A social psychologist can help a school, company, association or community facing group conflict, discrimination, low participation or the need to design a prevention or awareness programme. They are also useful for mediation and group facilitation. If what you need is personal therapy for anxiety, low mood or relationship problems, a psychologist or clinical psychologist is usually the right choice.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Malta cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital.
How do I check that a social psychologist is licensed in Malta?
Malta Psychology Profession Board: The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists.