Defining+Bullying

We all have a general idea of what bullying looks like, but can we pinpoint what it actually is? How do you know if you or a friend are really being bullied?

Bullying is "unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time." - [|stopbullying.gov]

In English, bullying makes the victim feel like they are not as powerful as the bully, and makes them feel like they are hopeless. One single action does not actually "count" as bullying, though. Even though mean remarks, comments, or actions are wrong and hurtful, they are not necessarily bullying, especially if it is only a "one-time" thing.



So, how do you know if it is definitely bullying?

[|stopbullying.gov] is great, it will outline for you the criteria needed to be filled for something to qualify as "bullying". Check it out for more resources, such as how to respond to bullying or how to receive help.

According to this site, for something to be bullying, it MUST....
 * Be aggressive.
 * Involve bullies using power (such as physical strength) to control or harm others.
 * Be **repeated.**

Unfortunately, bullying can take many forms. Just because someone isn't physically harming you doesn't mean you aren't being bullied.


 * Verbal bullying:** Includes teasing, name-calling, taunting, threats, or inappropriate comments.
 * Social bullying/relational bullying:** Leaving someone out purposefully, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone in public, etc.
 * Physical bullying:** This is the stereotypical bullying that we think of; someone physically hurting another.

=Want to help someone, especially a friend? [|Be more than a bystander.]= = =