What Is Bullying
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is a pattern of repeated, intentional behavior designed to hurt, control, embarrass, or exclude another person. It involves an imbalance of power, meaning the person doing the bullying uses strength, popularity, age, status, or access to information to dominate someone they see as vulnerable. Bullying is not a one-time conflict or disagreement—it happens over time and causes emotional, physical, or social harm.
Bullying can occur in many settings, including schools, neighborhoods, sports teams, online spaces, and even within friend groups.
Types of Bullying
Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, tripping, damaging belongings, or threatening physical harm.
Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, insults, threats, or cruel jokes meant to hurt or humiliate.
Social (relational) bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding someone on purpose, encouraging others to ignore or reject them, or embarrassing someone publicly.
Cyberbullying: Using phones, social media, gaming platforms, or text messages to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target someone repeatedly.
How to Recognize Bullying
Bullying often shows up in both behaviors and emotional warning signs. Common indicators include:
The same person is targeted again and again
One person has more power, influence, or control than the other
The behavior causes fear, anxiety, sadness, or shame
The targeted person avoids certain places, people, or activities
Changes in mood, confidence, sleep, or academic performance
Sudden withdrawal from friends or loss of interest in things once enjoyed
Unexplained injuries, missing belongings, or frequent complaints of illness
Bullying vs. Conflict
Not all disagreements are bullying. Conflict happens when two people of equal power disagree or argue. Bullying happens when one person repeatedly uses power to harm someone who cannot easily defend themselves.
Why Recognizing Bullying Matters
Bullying can have long-lasting effects on mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognizing bullying early helps protect those being harmed and creates opportunities for support, accountability, and healing for everyone involved.
