Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSignsCausesHarassmentCopingEffects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Signs
Causes
Harassment
Coping
Effects
Help Is Available for BullyingIf you or someone you know is having thoughts ofsuicideorself-harmbecause of bullying, you can contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If they are in immediate danger, call911.
Help Is Available for Bullying
If you or someone you know is having thoughts ofsuicideorself-harmbecause of bullying, you can contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If they are in immediate danger, call911.
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Types of Bullying Behavior
In 2019, one out of five U.S. children ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied at school. There are many types of bullying. Six of the most common types are discussed below along with examples of each.
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying is the most common form of bullying. Examples of verbal bullying include:
While it may not cause physical harm, verbal bullying victims are at an increased risk ofdepression, anxiety, social and academic difficulties, and more.
Social Bullying
Social bullying is also called relational bullying, relational aggression, or emotional bullying. It involves threatening someone’s reputation or relationships.
Examples of social bullying can include:
Research shows that being bullied is linked to a negative view of others and situations, leading victims to perceive their peers and experiences more pessimistically.
This negative outlook can be particularly harmful to victims of social bullying, which often occurs in public settings and may involve multiple bullies, thus reinforcing feelings of isolation and helplessness among victims.
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying includes bodily harm or damage to possessions. Any form of unprovoked aggressive physical contact constitutes physical bullying.
Examples of physical bullying can include:
Physical bullying is not to be confused with fighting, the former of which is unprovoked. Fighting, on the other hand, occurs between two people who are equally engaged in a physical altercation.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullyinginvolves bullying or harassing someone online or through social media. This harassment can occur on a computer, telephone, cell, or text messaging device.
Examples of cyberbullying can include:
In a 2018 survey, 59% of U.S. teens reported being cyberbullied.
Racial or Religious Bullying
Negative stereotypes and discrimination in schools and communities make racial and ethnic minority youth, as well as immigrants and refugees, more likely to be bullied because of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
Examples of racial or religious bullying can include:
Research shows that people who experience bullying due to their race, ethnicity, and/or religion are more likely to experience other forms of bullying at school.
Sexual Bullying
Examples of sexual bullying can include:
Forms of bullying often overlap. Sexual cyberbullying is a common example and one that frequently occurs between ex-romantic partners.
Signs of Bullying
Bullying occurs intentionally out of the sight of adults. When there are warning signs, they usually involve behavioral and emotional changes.
Signs someone you know is being bullied include:
If You Think Your Child Is Being BulliedIf you think your child is being bullied, it’s important to talk to them. They may not ask for help out of fear that it will make things worse. Instead of putting them on the spot, start a general conversation to lead into the topic. Let them know you want to help them. Some suggestions include:“There’s been a lot of discussion about bullying on the news. Do you know if that happens at your school?"“Is there anyone at school you don’t like to be around?““Are there any kids at school who are mean to you or other kids?”
If You Think Your Child Is Being Bullied
If you think your child is being bullied, it’s important to talk to them. They may not ask for help out of fear that it will make things worse. Instead of putting them on the spot, start a general conversation to lead into the topic. Let them know you want to help them. Some suggestions include:“There’s been a lot of discussion about bullying on the news. Do you know if that happens at your school?"“Is there anyone at school you don’t like to be around?““Are there any kids at school who are mean to you or other kids?”
If you think your child is being bullied, it’s important to talk to them. They may not ask for help out of fear that it will make things worse. Instead of putting them on the spot, start a general conversation to lead into the topic. Let them know you want to help them. Some suggestions include:
What Causes Bullying?
Other reasons may include that they are:
Bullying vs. Harassment
Bullying and harassment can look similar. Both involve behaviors that target individuals and can lead to emotional, psychological, and physical harm. Both can happen in any setting and can involve similar actions, like name-calling, intimidation, and humiliation.
In the workplace, harassment is unlawful when it creates a hostile environment or affects employment conditions, and it is often legally actionable under laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
While bullying can occur at any age or in any setting, it most commonly occurs in schools. Harassment, on the other hand, is more common in the workplace and is subject to more stringent regulations.
For example, sexual harassment in the workplace that interferes with the victimized employee’s work or that creates an intimidating environment is considered illegal harassment. Bullying might only be addressed if it crosses into harassment territory or violates specific company policies.
How to Deal With a Bully
Some ways to deal with a bully include:
When You Are the Bully
If you think you may be a bully—or others have accused you of being a bully—consider these questions:
If you are mistreating others, you may have been mistreated yourself. It may be helpful to talk to a school counselor, trusted adult, or mental health professional.
The Effects of Bullying
Adults bullied as children are likely to have mental health conditions, includingdepression,anxiety disorder, andantisocial personality disorder.
Bullying affects bullies negatively as well. In one study, men who bullied and men who were bullied had increased risks ofsuicide.
Other effects in children and teenagers may include:
Summary
Bullying is any unwanted and aggressive behavior that is intentionally done to hurt another person. It often occurs among children, adolescents, and teens, but it can happen to adults as well. Bullying creates a power imbalance, and it usually occurs repeatedly.
Types of bullying include physical, verbal, social, cyber, racist, religious, and sexual. People who have been bullied may experience effects like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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