The Effects of Bullying

Definitions

Definitions

  1. A bully is “someone who takes advantage of another individual that he or she perceives as more vulnerable.”
  2. Targets are also known as “victims” in bully situations

Facts

Facts

  1. The act of bullying is often repetitive and habitual
  2. For bullying to take place, either the aggressor or the victim will believe an imbalance of social or physical power exists.
  3. Justifications and rationalizations include differences in social class, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, behavior, body language, personality, reputation, lineage, strength, size, ability, and more
  4. Bully behaviors include: verbal harassment, verbal threat, physical assault, coercion. They may direct these behaviors towards specific targets repeatedly.
    1. Verbal: Name-calling, teasing.
    2. Social: Spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendship.

Who does bullying affect?

Who does bulling affect?

  1. Damage to the victim/target:
    1. Fear of going to work/school
    2. Physical symptoms of illness
    3. Diminished ability to work/learn
  2. Damage to the bully(s): If these behaviors are allowed to continue, they can escalate into even more serious behavior, such as sexual harassment or criminal activity in higher grades and in adulthood.
    1. 40% of those identified had three or more arrests by age thirty.
    2. Bullies, one study shows, are at even greater risk of suicide than their targets.
    3. Bullies often grow up to perpetuate family violence.

Bystander Help

Bystander Help

  1. Remember: one person CAN make a difference!
  2. Don’t be afraid to step in or intervene.
  3. If you are uncomfortable stepping in, please click here to contact someone who can help.