Bullying: The Basics

Bullying is the repeated attempt to scare or hurt or intimidate another person. It can take many different forms. Many people think bullying is the use of violence such as hitting, kicking or shoving others. But bullying is much more than that.

There are many types of bullying, including:

• Cyberbullying: Using texting, social media or technology to hurt or threaten others. For example:
  • saying hurtful things about someone online
  • sending threatening text messages
  • spreading rumours online
  • sharing private images or texts without their consent or with the intention to hurt their peer
  • pretending to be someone else to get private information from someone
• Verbal bullying: Saying hurtful things to gain power over others. Verbal bullying can happen in schools or within groups of friends. This is not about teasing one another. It is the use of insults to purposefully hurt or embarrass someone. Examples include negative comments on a person’s clothing, race or sexual orientation.
• Social bullying: Trying to embarrass or affect the social standing of another person. For example:
  • spreading rumours
  • using hurtful jokes to embarrass someone
  • getting others to exclude a person
• Physical violence: Hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, pinching, any unwelcome physical contact and damaging another’s property

Remember, bullying can take place anywhere in school, work or sports teams. No matter where bullying takes place, it is never okay.

Any form of bullying can have devastating effects, both short-term and long-term. It can cause low self-esteem, depression and isolation. The long-term effects of bullying can affect your opportunities and enjoyment their life. Bullying should not be a normal part of growing up.

These effects are very serious, but there are many people and resources to prevent bullying and help those who are being bullied. If you (or someone you know) are being bullied, it’s important to remember it is not your fault. Support is available and there are ways to make it stop.

Check out the Get Support section if you or someone you know is being bullied and you need to talk to someone. If you want to learn more about bullying and building safe, caring school communities see the erase website.