What is Bullying?

Bullying can happen anywhere, to anyone—at schools, within your communities, instant messaging, on social media, at work or at home. Sure, we all know the stereotype of the playground bully pining to steal your lunch money, or the gossip girl ready to spread an ugly rumor. But, the truth is that it happens every day in both obvious and subtle ways.

It is hard to know exactly how many people have experienced bullying, but most estimates indicate that the vast majority of people have experienced it at some point. It’s a serious problem that can be detrimental for self-confidence and can significantly impact one’s ability to feel safe, do their best work, and take care of themselves. 

By definition, bullying involves repeated hurtful actions intended to demonstrate power imbalance. And, it can take many forms: in-person physical attacks, verbal taunting, and even cyberbullying. It is a continuous and persistent effort that slowly erodes someone’s self-esteem over time. 

Studies show that persistent bullying is associated with symptoms of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Young people often deal with the emotional effects long after it has stopped.

Signs of Bullying

Bullying can be hard to spot, but there are some key warning signs to watch out for. 

People who are being bullied may show any of these signs:

• Injuries they can’t explain
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Faking illness or claiming to feel sick
• Headaches and stomachaches
• Avoiding social situations, including those with people who were once their friends
• Refusing to go to school 
• Decreased self-esteem
• Self-harm or other dangerous behaviors
• Losing possessions
• Worsening academic performance
  

People who are bullying others may show any of these signs:

• Aggressive behavior like getting into fights
• Getting into more trouble at school
• Having friends who bully
• Showing concern about their reputation and popularity

Bullying Resources

If you are being bullied, it might feel like there is no end in sight. No fear—there are so many people (us included!) here to help:

• Give us the lowdown. Text us if you’re being bullied and need someone to lend an ear. Text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. They will listen without judgment and assist you in finding ways to cope with the day. 
• Tell a trusted adult. If you’re being bullied at school, there are people around you every day whose entire job is to keep you safe. Telling a teacher, counselor or school administrator you trust could help you get the support you need. 
  • Experiencing workplace bullying? If so, we recommend reaching out to your manager or contacting Human Resources. 
• Find a new crew. No need to waste your time on people who don’t make you feel good. Try a new activity, join a club, or maybe finally reach out to that person you’ve been too shy to schedule a friend-date with.
  • Pro – Tip: When you’re in the thick of it, popularity can feel like everything. In reality, the only person who should care about who you are spending your time with is you. 
• Take a break. If you’re the one who is bullying someone, take some time to reflect on why you’re doing so. Perhaps in self-reflection, you’ll find that you’re taking out your anger and frustration on someone who deserves kindness.

Types of Bullying

Here are some of the most common types of bullying:

• Physical Bullying: Hurting or trying to hurt someone’s body. Think kicking, hitting, pushing.
• Verbal Bullying: Saying things to hurt a person’s feelings. This can include teasing, threats and name-calling. 
  • Note: This is often a symptom of deeper emotional abuse.
• Social Bullying: Destroying someone’s reputation or relationships. For example, this could be purposefully leaving someone out or spreading rumors.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a growing concern, especially among high school students who frequently use social networking sites and text messaging. Over 40% of young people experience cyberbullying at some point.

Cyberbullying is any act of verbal or social bullying that occurs through technology. This includes hurtful texts in a group chat message, unkind social media posts or comments, chatroom harassment. If you are experiencing cyberbullying and need immediate support, text CONNECT to 741741.

Racial Bullying

Racial bullying is a manifestation of racism and xenophobia, and it includes any bullying related to one’s race, culture or ethnicity. This could include racist names, threats, racist graffiti or personal attacks on one’s identity. While racial bullying can affect anyone, it particularly impacts individuals from outside of the United States and of non-white backgrounds.

Remember that support is available. Text CONNECT to 741741 to receive immediate assistance and guidance from trained counselors who are ready to help. Together, we can build a supportive community where all races, ethnicities and cultures are celebrated and every individual feels valued and respected.

LGBTQ+ Bullying

LGBTQ+ bullying is a manifestation of homophobia and it includes any bullying related to one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation; and it can have profound negative effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being because of it. It is important for teachers, parents, allies and LGBTQ+ community members to understand the impact of this. We must work together to create a safe and supportive environment.

To support those in need, it’s important to promote open dialogue, allyship and offer resources for assistance. If you or someone you know needs free mental health support, text CONNECT to 741741. Let’s work together to ensure every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can significantly impact an employee’s well-being and productivity. This includes verbal abuse, offensive behavior and interference at work, like sabotage. All these factors prevent people from getting work done.

This creates a toxic environment that can lead to increased stress, anxiety and even physical health problems for those affected. It is crucial for employees, HR professionals and managers to recognize the signs and take proactive steps to address it.

Creating a safe and respectful work environment is a shared responsibility, and addressing workplace bullying is a critical step to achieving that goal.

Effects of Bullying

Bullying affects everyone—not just the person being bullied. It can cause anxiety and depression, making it difficult for victims to eat, sleep and maintain a normal social life. On the flip side, bullies need help and support too. Sometimes they engage in violent and abusive behavior in conjunction with substance abuse, fighting and criminal activity.

It is vital for communities to foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to speak up about their experiences, seek help and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By addressing the root causes and providing mental health resources, we can work towards breaking this cycle, prevent bullying and support those in need.

Bullying and Suicide

There is a relationship between bullying and suicide. But, like anything, it’s complicated. People who experience bullying may experience anxiety and depression, increasing their risk of feeling suicidal. While bullying is not the sole cause of suicide, it can be a significant factor, particularly when combined with other underlying mental health challenges. It is crucial to address bullying early and provide support to those affected to prevent these tragic outcomes.

Bullying and Self-Harm

Bullying and self-harm are interlinked issues that often coexist in the lives of those affected. Victims may experience profound emotional pain, leading some individuals to cope with their feelings through self-harm as a attempt to regain a sense of control or to express their internal struggles.

This harmful behavior can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair, creating a vicious cycle that perpetuates both the pain of bullying and effects of self-harm.

Bystander Effect

You—the bystander—can help stop bullying in your community. Help victims find safety, tell bullies their behavior is hurtful and unacceptable and refer your community to helpful resources. This is especially important for pre-teens who may be unsure how to navigate this delicate situation. (Pro-tip: you can always tell someone to text CONNECT to 741741 when you think they might need help.)