What is Bullying?

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Many of us consider our childhood experiences in school when we think about bullies. We picture the child on the playground who would tease or make fun of others. Sometimes we have the distinct memory of the child who would physically harm or threaten one specific child. There have always been bullies and there has always been mean behavior, but it is crucial to know the difference between the two.   

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power and a real or perceived threat.  

​Bullying behavior is repeated over a period of time and may increase in aggression or frequency. ​

Bullying can include physical, verbal, and social components. It is also important to note the following definitions according to Stop Bullying, a federal campaign:    ​  

Imbalance of Power
​Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.

Repetition
Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.  

​Mean Behavior
Mean behavior is defined as behavior that is negative in nature but does not include an imbalance of power, repetition, or a threat to the child receiving these actions. Mean behavior is often experienced in social situations where children may be outcast from a peer group, teased, or otherwise spoken to negatively. Mean behavior is unfortunate and uncomfortable but is not considered on the same level as bullying. This is a crucial distinction to consider as you observe and record children’s interactions.  

Optional Resources for Further Study

• ​Stop Bullying, a Federal Campaign 
• Bully Prevention in Early Childhood Education: Collaboration between Teachers and Families
  By Nancy W. Sager, M.A. and Carla Garrity, Ph.D. 
• Bullying in the early years by Karen Weeks for Early Childhood Australia 

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. What is Bullying?
3. Types of Bullying
4. Where Does Bullying Occur?
5. What Makes a Bully?
6. Identifying Bullying
7. Share Your Experiences (1/7)

8. Bullying and Childhood Dev.
9. Bullying or Development? (2/7)
10. Gender and Bullying
11. Observation is the Key
12. Positive Supports 0-3 Years
13. Difficult Temperaments (3/7)
14. Positive Supports 3-5 Years

15. Positive Social Interactions (4/7)
16. Supports for Victims of Bullying
17. Bullying Prevention
18. Soothe the Baby​ (5/7)
19. Friendship Charades​ (6/7)
20. End of Course Quiz (7/7)
21. Course Evaluation Form​
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