Bullying is a form of violence that young people may encounter, occurring both in person and through technology.
What is bullying?
Bullying is described as any unwanted aggressive behavior by another youth or group of youths who are neither siblings nor current dating partners. This behavior entails an observed or perceived power imbalance and occurs repeatedly or is highly likely to be repeated.
Bullying can cause harm or distress to the victim, impacting them physically, psychologically, socially, or educationally. Common forms of bullying include:
- Physical actions like hitting, kicking, and tripping.
- Verbal abuse such as name-calling and teasing.
- Relational or social tactics like spreading rumors and exclusion from groups.
- Damaging the victim’s property.
Bullying can also happen via technology, known as digital bullying or cyberbullying.
More about Bullying
Bullying is a common negative experience among children affecting not only those who are targeted but also those who engage in bullying and the bystanders who witness it.
Bullying is widespread, with approximately one in five high school students reporting having been bullied on school grounds in the past year. Additionally, over one in six high school students reported experiencing cyberbullying, including through texting and social media, during the same period.
Certain groups of youth are more frequently targeted by bullying than others. Female students, in particular, were more likely than their male counterparts to face bullying both at school and online.
Indicators of Concern
- Unexplained injuries.
- Missing or damaged clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry.
- Recurring headaches or stomachaches, feeling unwell, or pretending to be ill.
- Trouble sleeping or having frequent nightmares.
- Decreasing grades, lack of interest in schoolwork, or reluctance to attend school.
Consequences
Bullying can lead to physical harm, social and emotional distress, self-injury, and even death. It also heightens the likelihood of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, poor academic performance, and school dropout.
Those who engage in bullying are at a higher risk for substance abuse, academic issues, and encountering violence during their teenage years and as adults. Youth who both bully others and are targets of bullying face the most severe outcomes, with an increased risk of mental health and behavioral challenges.
Prevention Strategies
Everyone has a part to play in stopping bullying. Both young people and adults are vital in preventing violence and fostering safe communities where youth can flourish.
Witnesses of bullying, whether it occurs in person or online, can positively influence the situation by acting as upstanders. An upstander is someone who observes the bullying and takes action by intervening, interrupting, or speaking out to halt the behavior.
Parents, school personnel, and other supportive adults can:
- Educate children about bullying and teach them safe ways to confront it.
- Maintain open communication by frequently checking in with children and actively listening to them.
- Encourage children to engage in activities they love to boost their confidence and foster friendships.
- Demonstrate how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Furthermore, school-based initiatives that enhance young people’s interpersonal and emotional abilities—such as empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork—can help reduce bullying.
Every young person deserves to grow up in a safe environment and have the opportunity to thrive. By becoming upstanders, we can all contribute to stopping bullying in our communities.
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