Types of Bullying Behavior

Bullying in schools is a widespread problem. Bullying has the potential to cause negative short-term and long-term effects for both the victim and the bully. There are various types of bullying behavior and a bully can exhibit several of these forms in order to intimidate or possess power over someone else.

Bullies: Direct vs. Indirect

There are both direct and indirect forms of bullying. Direct forms include physical and verbal abuse and are more commonly exerted by boys. Indirect forms include social and cyber bullying, which are more commonly used by girls. However, it’s important to note that both forms have the potential to be used among any bully, male or female.

• Physical Bullying: Bullies who resort to physical abuse use hitting, slapping, kicking, punching, beating on, etc. to intimidate their targets. They may also steal or damage a victim’s personal belongings and harass other kids by throwing food or other items at them.
• Verbal Bullying: Verbal bullying can include name-calling, put-downs, repeated teasing, insulting remarks, threats, and talking or whispering behind someone’s back. Verbal bullying has the potential to become just as bad as physical bullying. Constant put-downs are likely to cause low self-esteem.
• Social Bullying: Social bullying is often enforced by the destroying or manipulating of one’s relationship within a group of peers. This includes turning one friend against each other, starting rumors, destroying reputations, humiliating others, gossiping, excluding someone, stealing someone’s boyfriend/girlfriend, and handing out glares and dirty looks. This can even go as far as organizing “hate petitions” and producing hurtful graffiti in bathroom stalls, school sidewalks, etc.
• Cyber Bullying: Cyber bullying occurs when a child or teen is harassed, threatened, humiliated, or otherwise targeted through the use of the Internet and/or mobile phones. Victims may be harassed via instant messages, blogs, websites, and/or the posting or sending of embarrassing messages and pictures. This could also include naked pictures and other photos that have the possibility to ruin someone’s reputation.

For Better or Worse…

It’s important not to compare the various types of direct and indirect bullying. Contrary to common belief, social or verbal bullying can have the same devastating effects as physical bullying. It’s important to learn and then discuss these types of bullying behaviors with your child so that he is aware of every bullying avenue. Remember, teaching your child about bullying may help prevent it in the future.