What is Bullying?
Bullying is a serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase kids have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something you have to wait to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm and is never acceptable.
Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that bullying involves:
Imbalance of Power: people who bully use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied have a hard time defending themselves
Intent to Cause Harm: actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
Repetition: incidents of bullying happen to the same the person over and over by the same person or group
Bullying can take many forms. Examples include:
What you can do to stop bullying:
Nobody likes to be picked on. Here are some things you can do:
And always remember:
- You are not alone.
- It is not your fault. Nobody should be bullied!
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Do not hurt yourself.
- Do not bully back. It doesn't end things.
- Do not let the bully stop you from being yourself. Keep doing what you love to do.