There are 3 parts to the definition of bullying:
1. Bullying requires a power imbalance. Remember that just because someone has power DOES NOT MEAN they are a bully.
2. Bullying requires an intent to do harm. Types of harm include physical, cultural, emotional, etc. Having a conflict with someone does not always mean there is intent to harm.
3. Bullying can be REPEATED over time, or it can happen JUST ONCE if it has a big enough impact. Students often describe bullying as when “someone makes you feel less about who you are as a person.”
2. Bullying requires an intent to do harm. Types of harm include physical, cultural, emotional, etc. Having a conflict with someone does not always mean there is intent to harm.
3. Bullying can be REPEATED over time, or it can happen JUST ONCE if it has a big enough impact. Students often describe bullying as when “someone makes you feel less about who you are as a person.”
There are 5 TYPES of bullying:
1. Physical - tripping, biting, pushing, shoving, hair pulling.
2. Verbal - name calling, nicknaming, threats, intimidation.
3. Social - isolation, cliques, ostracizing, separation. There is overlap among the different types of bullying.
4. Emotional - to hurt feelings, to make someone cry. Usually done by a friend, significant other or family member. Someone who is close to the person being bullied and knows information about them that can be used to hurt them. Remember that abusive relationships can also be physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and sexual.
5. Cyber - Any type of bullying that occurs through the use of any social media or electronic device. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, cell phones). The most common types are direct threats via email, text or instant messages, sexting, videos and photos, impersonation, blogs, chat rooms, gossip groups and social networking exclusion, 'un-friending.' Cyber bullying is both emotional and social, and may be harder to recover from due to the long lasting impact (can't be erased). It is also the least reported form of bullying. Sexting and Cyber bullying are illegal. You can find your state’s law at StopBullying.gov. Students also have protection under federal laws.
2. Verbal - name calling, nicknaming, threats, intimidation.
3. Social - isolation, cliques, ostracizing, separation. There is overlap among the different types of bullying.
4. Emotional - to hurt feelings, to make someone cry. Usually done by a friend, significant other or family member. Someone who is close to the person being bullied and knows information about them that can be used to hurt them. Remember that abusive relationships can also be physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and sexual.
5. Cyber - Any type of bullying that occurs through the use of any social media or electronic device. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, cell phones). The most common types are direct threats via email, text or instant messages, sexting, videos and photos, impersonation, blogs, chat rooms, gossip groups and social networking exclusion, 'un-friending.' Cyber bullying is both emotional and social, and may be harder to recover from due to the long lasting impact (can't be erased). It is also the least reported form of bullying. Sexting and Cyber bullying are illegal. You can find your state’s law at StopBullying.gov. Students also have protection under federal laws.
The Roles We Can Play:
Bullying is not just about the implications for those targeted by the behaviors, but that the behavior can impact all students in the school, including those who witness the behavior and those that engage in the behavior. There are multiple roles that we can play when we are witnessing bullying situations and the more we understand them, the better choices we can make on how to intervene.
Active Bystander - someone who is actively making the bullying situation worse.
Passive Bystander - someone who knows about the bullying but isn't doing anything to stop it. If you aren't making it better, you are making it worse.
Defenders - might call the police, principal or teachers, getting involved, trying to stop the fight. Finding a safe way to intervene is most important.
Active Bystander - someone who is actively making the bullying situation worse.
Passive Bystander - someone who knows about the bullying but isn't doing anything to stop it. If you aren't making it better, you are making it worse.
Defenders - might call the police, principal or teachers, getting involved, trying to stop the fight. Finding a safe way to intervene is most important.
Negative Outcomes of Bullying Behaviors for All:
bullies, targets and bystanders
Drop in grades
Drug and alcohol abuse
Loss of friends
Increased risky sexual behaviors
Feelings of fear, shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress
Eating disorders, decline in physical health
Self mutilation
Depression and suicidal ideation
For bystanders: the belief that bullying is ok, a sense of un-safety at school, loss of friends, fear, shame guilt.
Drug and alcohol abuse
Loss of friends
Increased risky sexual behaviors
Feelings of fear, shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress
Eating disorders, decline in physical health
Self mutilation
Depression and suicidal ideation
For bystanders: the belief that bullying is ok, a sense of un-safety at school, loss of friends, fear, shame guilt.
Need help? Use the numbers below to speak to someone, chat or text:
Crisis Text Line
text 'HELLO' or 'START' to 741-741 |
Crisis Line of Hawaii
O'ahu 808-832-3100 Neighbor Islands 1-800-753-6879 |
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255 |