Bullying

Types of Bullying

Bullying is identified by three main characteristics:

1. The behavior must be aggressive
2. There must be an imbalance of power (physical, popularity, strength, etc.)
3. There must be repetition - the bullying behaviors happen more than once or the potential to happen more than once.

Verbal: saying or writing mean things

• Teasing
• Name-calling
• Inappropriate comments
• Taunting
• Threatening

Physical: intending to hurt a person's body or possessions

• Hitting
• Kicking
• Biting
• Spitting
• Tripping

Social: hurting a person's reputation or relationships

• Spreading rumors
• Purposefully excluding someone
• Embarrassing someone in public
• Telling people not to be someone's friend

Cyber Bullying: use of electronic devices and social media

• Mean text messages/emails
• Rumors sent by email/phone/social media
• Posting embarrassing photos online (pictures, videos, fake profiles, etc.)

Effects of Bullying

Students who experience bullying are more likely to:

• Use alcohol and drugs
• Cut school
• Receive poor grades
• Have lower self-esteem
• Have health problems
• Increased risk for anxiety and depression
• Experience somatic symptoms (stomachaches and headaches)
• Have increased thoughts of suicide

What to do?

• If you or someone you know is being bullied - tell an adult (parent, counselor, wellness team member, teacher, etc.)
• Stand up for the person who is being bullied - DON'T BE A BYSTANDER!

Other Resources

Stop Bullying Now Campaign: www.stopbullying.gov