What is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone hurts someone else either by using words or actions. It is an issue that affects many people. Bullying can happen over a short period of time or can happen for a long time. It can be very dangerous and lead to worse situations. It can also harm people that are not involved in the bullying.

Where Can Bullying Happen?

Bullying can happen anywhere and at any time. It is most common for bullying to take place in schools, school buses, at a playground, or even online. Bullying is not just something kids and teens experience; it can be experienced by adults, too.

Why do People Bully Others?

There could be many reasons as to why people become bullies. Sometimes they do not even realize that they are bullying someone else.

Somebully others because they are looking for attention. They might find that picking on others is a way to make them feel much more powerful. They use the victim’s reactions to help build their self-esteem.

Other bullies grew up with families who are abusive in many different ways. Since they grew up in that environment, they might have learned from what they wereused to seeing and hearing. They use what they have experienced to harm others, and this is not always intentional.

Types of Bullying

Sometimes it is difficult to know if one is being bullied or not. It is important to know different types of bullying.

Here are four common types of bullying that you, or a friend might experience:

1. Physical Bullying

This type of bullying involves using physical actions to harm others.

Physical bullying includes:

• Punching and hitting
• Kicking
• Pinching
• Pushing and shoving
• Taking or breaking someone’s belongings
• Yelling

1. Verbal Bullying

This type of bullying uses words to make others feel bad about themselves.

Verbal bullying includes:

• Name calling
• Teasing
• Embarrassing or humiliating others
• Insulting
• Inappropriate comments
• Taunting
• Making threats

1. Social Bullying

This type of bullying is often, but not always, done behind someone’s back. It is done to humiliate others and to ruin their social reputation.

Social bullying includes:

• Spreading rumours
• Purposely excluding others from groups and activities
• Embarrassing or humiliating others
• Mimicking

1. Cyber Bullying

This type of bullying involves technology, such as cellphones, computers, social media or text messaging. Although it is not done in person, it can be just as harmful as other types of bullying.

Cyberbullying includes:

• Sending rude text messages
• Posting unwanted posts of someone else
• Creating mean comments about others

How Can One Handle Bullying?

If you or someone you know is being bullied, you should tell someone right away. You could tell an adult you trust, such as your parents, a teacher, or your principal. If you are unsure if you are being bullied and feel that the issue is affecting you, it is best to tell a trusted adult about how you are feeling. There is no reason for anyone to have to feel unsafe and hurt. Never feel the need to have to hide your feelings and any problems that may be affecting your day to day life. There is always someone who is there to listen to you. Don’t be afraid!

Resources:

https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/index.html

https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-parents/types-of-bullying/

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bullies.html?ref=search

https://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/what-is-bullying/