Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. It can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending themselves and does nothing to “cause” the bullying. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that involves verbally threatening or harassing behavior conducted through electronic technology such as cell phones, email, social media, or text messaging.
Bullying can be physical or verbal, and it can also be relational, which involves excluding or rumor-spreading, or cyberbullying, which involves sending hurtful messages over digital devices like computers and cell phones. Bullying almost always takes an emotional toll upon the child being bullied, but the actions that constitute bullying vary.
There are four types of bullying, which can occur separately or simultaneously:
- Physical bullying such as kicking or pushing.
- Verbal bullying such as name-calling or yelling.
- Relational bullying such as excluding or rumor-spreading.
- Cyberbullying which involves sending hurtful messages over digital devices like computers and cell phones.
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social, and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
It is important to note that single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
