What is Bullying?

Classic portrayals of bullying usually involve a student shoving another kid in the hallway or pushing a peer into a locker. While these are certainly examples of bullying behavior, bullying can take many forms, each of which is damaging in its own way and can often overlap with one another. Here are five common types of bullying to be aware of and how to identify them.

1. Physical Bullying

Physical bullying is what often comes to mind when we talk about bullying. It refers to physical harm. This includes hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone's belongings.

2. Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying includes the use of hurtful words or language through teasing, name-calling, threatening, or making inappropriate comments.

3. Social/Relational Bullying

Social or relational bullying involves someone's reputation or relationships, such as spreading rumors, encouraging social exclusion, or public humiliation.

4. Written Bullying

This type of bullying uses written words to cause harm. This includes notes, graffiti and defamatory or hurtful comments in written materials.

5. Technological Bullying or Cyberbullying

Technological or Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to harass or intimidate, such as sending threatening messages, spreading false information online, or creating fake profiles to target someone. This is a form of bullying that can often be done anonymously.

Why It’s Important to Recognize Different Types of Bullying

Bullying is a complicated issue that doesn’t always look the way we might think. By understanding these common types of bullying, we can more adequately recognize and respond to bullying when it happens. Regardless of whether a student has been excluded from a group or sent a hurtful message online, every form of bullying makes a lasting impression. Being aware of how bullying happens and seeing the signs is the first step to handling it in the present and preventing it in the future.

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