"When I was a kid it was much easier; you could go in the street or in the park and play, and there wasn't really the trouble that's out there now. Nowadays, you've got to be really careful. It's really important that when you're going on a journey, make sure you either phone or text your parents when you get there.
	I've always been tall, so it does help! But I've been in situations where friends of mine have felt scared by gangs of youths - things like that. I know what happens. It's all about eye contact and who's staring who out. But you don't have to go through all that. Cross the road and go on the other side. It's not being chicken, it's just being sensible and avoiding confrontation.
	Once, a friend of mine got bullied in a dinner queue. This other lad made him kiss his toes in front of everybody. So he did the decent thing and told the headteacher. The bully got expelled from school. After that, this bully was waiting for him after school and had a go at him. I got involved trying to stick up for him - which I did successfully. But it's about avoiding situations. If the guy is waiting for you, don't confront him - turn away or tell the teachers. You know, it's not about being scared, it's about telling the right people and letting them sort it out rather than getting into fights."