Bullying behavior is best described as repeated, intentional negative behavior that is meant to cause harm, upset, discomfort, or fear in another person or group. It involves an imbalance of power where the bully uses this power to harm or control the victim. Bullying can be verbal, physical, psychological, social, or cyber in nature. It is deliberate, ongoing, and causes significant distress or harm to others.

Key Characteristics of Bullying

• Repeated and intentional actions aimed at hurting someone.
• Causes others to feel upset, uncomfortable, unsafe, or distressed.
• Involves an imbalance of power or influence between the bully and the victim.
• Can take many forms: verbal insults, physical aggression, social exclusion, spreading rumors, online harassment, or cyberbullying.
• Typically violates policies and harms the environment, such as a school or workplace.

This definition is supported by multiple authoritative sources including The Diana Award, ReachOut Australia, and the Australian Human Rights Commission, whose definitions emphasize repetition, intent, harm caused, and power imbalance as core elements of bullying behavior.