Bullying in Schools

What is Bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious lasting problem. Bullying is when someone is being hurt either by words or actions on purpose, usually more than once, feels bad because of it, and has a hard time stopping what is happening on them.

Types of Byllying:

1. Verbal Bullying: which is saying or writing mean things, e.g. teasing, name calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, threatening, etc..

2. Social Bullying: sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships, e.g. leaving someone out on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors about someone, embarrassing someone in public, etc..

3. Physical Bullying: involves hurting a person’s body or possessions, e.g. hitting, spitting, pushing, taking or breaking someone's things, making mean or rude hand gestures, etc..

Cyberbullying:

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

• Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
• SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
• Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
• Email

         
         Health and Human Services, U. S. (2017). Stop Bullying.