What is bullying?

"A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.“
Dr. Dan Olweus
Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do.

TYPES OF BULLYING:

- Physical: punching, kicking, shoving, hitting, etc.

- Verbal: teasing and name calling.

- Mental: intimidation and threats.

- Social: excluding, isolating, spreading rumours, etc.

- Cyber-bullying: it is a new form of bullying that involves technological devices to harass people, usually over the internet.

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CHARACTERISTICS:

- A group practise.

- It is always intentional.

- The attacks and threats are regular.

- It involves three roles: the person who bullies, the one that is being bullied and the witnesses or bystander.

- There is a difference of power between the person who is bullying, and the one who is being bullied.

- Not all negative interactions are bullying.

- Not all conflicts cause bullying.

THE IMPACT OF BULLYING:

The consequences of bullying for the people involved can have a wide-ranging impact, and can affect them throughout their lives:

Students who are bullied can suffer from:

- Depression.

- Low self-esteem.

- Health problems.

- Poor grades.

- Difficulties establishing healthy relationships.

- Negative thoughts.

Observers of bullying feel:

- Afraid.

- Powerless to act.

- Guilty for not acting.

- Tempted to participate.

Students who bully others often:

- Get into frequent fights.

- Steal and vandalize property.

- Drink alcohol and smoke.

- Have poor grades.

- Difficulties establishing positive relationships.

Who is involved?

The bully, the bullied and the witnesses (follower, supporters, passive supportes, disegaged onlookers, passive defenders, defenders)

Taken from http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3913