A defining characteristic of bullying is that it is a repeated behavior over time. A single, isolated aggressive event, such as one child hitting another on the playground one time, does not meet the definition of bullying, which requires an ongoing pattern of negative treatment.

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Bullying is a form of repeated, intentional aggression aimed at inflicting harm on a victim, who is often an adolescent. Recognized as a significant international public health issue, this behavior can manifest as physical, psychological, emotional, or social abuse.

Bullying

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The dynamic of a bullying situation involves three distinct roles: the bully, who perpetrates the act; the victim, who is the target; and the witnesses or bystanders who observe the interaction. A defining characteristic of this dynamic is an imbalance of power, where the bully possesses more physical, emotional, or social power than the victim.

Parties Involved in Bullying

Research indicates that boys and girls typically engage in different forms of bullying. Boys are more likely to use direct, physical aggression, such as causing physical harm. In contrast, girls tend to employ indirect, social forms of aggression, like spreading rumors or intentionally isolating someone from a social group.

Gender Differences in Bullying

A fundamental aspect of bullying is an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. The bully holds more power, which can be physical, emotional, or social in nature. This power differential is a key element that distinguishes bullying from other forms of conflict.

Power Imbalance in Bullying

Cyberbullying is a modern form of bullying conducted within an online environment. This digital context is distinct because it can provide anonymity for the aggressor, which may intensify the harassment and leave the victim feeling particularly helpless to stop it.

Cyberbullying

Bullying has severe negative mental health consequences for young victims. The psychological distress resulting from this repeated harm can be profound, and in some cases, it is a contributing factor to suicide.

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