What is bullying exactly?
Bullying is difficult to define, because in today’s society it extends much further beyond someone taking your child’s lunch money or pushing him or her around on the playground, and the effects of this type of behavior go much deeper than a black eye. Teasing, taunting, ethnic slurs and sexual harassment are all forms of bullying. Bullying behavior is generally repetitive hostility and aggression directed toward a victim who is physically or mentally weaker than the bully. This can come in various forms: • Physical bullying. This is perhaps the most obvious form of intimidation. It can be anything from intentionally bumping into another child in the hall to hitting or threatening with a weapon. • Verbal bullying. This can include name-calling, spreading rumors and persistent teasing. Girls typically bully and are bullied this way. • Emotional intimidation. A bully may deliberately exclude a child from a group activity like a class party. The bully may also make other kids turn against
