Bullying
Bullying is repeated acts over time that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power with the more powerful child or group attacking those who are less powerful. Bullying can be verbal harrassment, physical assault or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation. Bullying can be defined in many different ways. Although the UK currently has no legal definition of bullying, some US states have laws against it. Bullying is usually done to coerce others by fear or threat. Bullying can be prevented when children are taught social skills to successfully interact with people. This will help them to be productive adults when interacting with bothersome people.
School bullying is a type of bullying that occurs in connection with education, either inside or outside of school. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or emotional and is usually repeated over a period of time.
School shootings have focused attention on student bullying, with shooters in several of the worst shootings reporting they were bullied.
Studies prompted by the shootings have shown long-lasting emotional harm to victims. The studies also revealed that bullies themselves are likely to suffer problems as children and adults.
Many educational institutions have implemented anti-bullying campaigns. Studies in Norway and England confirm these programs can be effective. The programs usually focus on increasing awareness and supervision, establishing clear rules, and providing support and protection for victims.
School bullying is behavior intended to harm or disturb the victim. It can be physical or emotional and can occur in person, electronically, or indirectly.
Examples of physical bullying include:
- Punching
- Shoving
- Slapping
- Other acts that hurt people physically and emotionally
- Attacking
- Teasing and abusing
- Pranks
- Spreading bad rumors about people
- Keeping certain people out of a "group"
- Teasing people in mean ways
- Getting certain people to "gang up" on others
- Name calling
- Taunts, Insults etc
- Harassment
- Provocation
- Tormenting
(from Wikipedia)