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 those who bully others may have serious, lasting problems as a result of the behavior. In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

• An imbalance of power. Kids who bully use their power – such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity – to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.

• Repetition. Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

Examples of bullying include actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and deliberately excluding someone from a group. (back)