Bullying is repeated behavior intended to hurt, intimidate, embarrass, or control another person. It can happen in schools, workplaces, online, within relationships, or in social groups.
Bullying often involves a real or perceived imbalance of power, making it difficult for the person being targeted to stop the behavior on their own. It is not simply a disagreement or occasional conflict between people, it's ongoing behavior that causes emotional, social, or sometimes physical harm.
Types of Bullying
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Verbal Bullying
Using words to shame, threaten, humiliate, or intimidate someone. Examples may include:
- Name-calling
- Insults or teasing
- Threats
- Sexual comments
- Racist, sexist, or hateful remarks
- Public humiliation
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Social or Emotional Bullying
Damaging someone’s relationships, reputation, or sense of belonging. Examples may include:
- Spreading rumors
- Excluding someone from a group
- Encouraging others not to speak to someone
- Public embarrassment
- Manipulation or intimidation
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Physical Bullying
Using physical actions to scare, harm, or control someone. Examples may include:
- Hitting, pushing, or kicking
- Damaging belongings
- Blocking someone’s path
- Threatening physical harm
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Cyberbullying
Using technology or social media to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone, such as:
- Hurtful text messages or emails
- Fake social media accounts
- Posting embarrassing photos or rumors online
- Repeated unwanted messages
- Sharing private information without permission
The Impacts of Bullying
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Repeated Bullying
Bullying can affect emotional well-being, mental health, relationships, and a person’s sense of safety. Over time, repeated bullying may lead to:
- Anxiety or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Isolation
- Declining school or work performance
- Fear of social situations
- Emotional distress and low self-worth
Warning Signs of Bullying
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Common Signs and Indicators
Someone experiencing bullying may:
- Avoid school, work, or social situations
- Become anxious, withdrawn, or fearful
- Have sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Lose confidence or self-esteem
- Experience sleep problems or headaches
- Spend more time alone
- Show unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
- Become unusually upset after using a phone or computer
Not everyone responds the same way. Some people hide what they are experiencing out of fear, shame, or concern that things may get worse.
What You Can Do
If you are experiencing bullying:
- Talk to someone you trust
- Save messages, screenshots, or evidence of online harassment
- Report bullying to a school, workplace, or platform when appropriate
- Avoid responding to threatening or abusive messages
- Reach out for emotional support
If you witness bullying:
- Speak up when it is safe to do so
- Support the person being targeted
- Report concerning behavior
- Avoid sharing or encouraging harmful content online
