Bullying

Bullying

Bullying behavior can occur in several forms and situations, and the definition of bullying includes the following three components. First, bullying in valves intentional and aggressive behavior designed to intimidate, harass, exclude, destroy property, or physically injure others. The verbal behavior can take the form of threats, name-calling, teasing, demands for money or services, spreading of rumors, and/or obscene gestures. Some of these behaviors result in indirect bullying, such as spreading rumors; others are direct behaviors, such as name-calling. Physical behaviors designed to bully are direct and can include tripping, shoving, pushing, or hitting. However, bullying is more likely to take the form of verbal intimidation than physical attacks. Second, for behavior to reach the level of bullying it must occur repeatedly (albeit not necessarily in the same form) and over time. Third, the victim must perceive the bully as more powerful than himself or herself in terms of physical strength, popularity, or competence. (Coloroso, 2006)

Among children and adolescents, bullying is most likely to occur in school than in any other place, particularly in areas that are not well supervised. Bullying also occurs on the way to and from school, at athletic events, and on field trips, as well as online, as cyberspace increasingly offers opportunities to text message and post communications that can be designated as bullying. It is also most likely to occur among males, with most victims the same gender as the bullies. (Hart, 2005)

Males are more likely to be involved in physically aggressive bullying than are females. So-called relational aggression is presumed to be more common among girls. This type of bullying is designed to destroy the friendships, popularity, and reputations of the victims. The victims also tend to be girls. Verbal bullying can include insulting or invective remarks about race or ethnicity. However, there are no consistent research results as to the extent of this type of bullying or its prevalence between or among racial or ethnic groups. ...