What Is Bullying?

"Bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or groups of youths that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm." -cdc.gov

 

Physical Bullying

Any physical contact that hurts a person like hitting, kicking, or punching is considered physical bullying. This behavior can by executed by a single bully, or in groups.

Social Alienation

Pointing out differences in others, and excluding them from groups and activities. This type of bullying is very destructive in that there is typically a severe power imbalance.

Girls and Boys

Experience similar rates of:

  • Threats
  • Being forced to do things they don't want to do
  • Damage to property

-u.s. dept of justice

Verbal Bullying

Name calling, jokes about or offensive remarks about a person's religion, gender, ethnicity, appearance, or socioeconomic status is considered verbal bullying. 

Intimidation Bullying

Using threats to frighten someone or to manipulate behavior. Intimidation is often used in conjunction with other forms of bullying, and very often leads to physical bullying.

Boys

More likely to experience:

  • Physical bullying

 

                                                          -u.s dept of justice

Indirect Bullying

Excluding others from a group, or spreading lies, secrets, rumors, or exaggerated stories about someone. This type of bullying can be passive, or aggressive in nature.  

Cyber Bullying

Sending pictures, messages, or information using electronic media, computers, and cell phones. This form of bullying typically has no boundaries, and is one of the hardest to prevent.

Girls

More likely to experience:

  • Verbal bullying
  • Rumor-spreading
  • Exclusion
  • Cyber-bullying

-u.s. dept of justice