Bullying Identification Page 3

Types of Bullying

Page 3

Unfortunately, bullying can take many forms, and these include verbal, physical, and social bullying. All are equally threatening and harmful in different ways and can have long lasting effects on both the bully and the victim. These effects can include depression, alcohol or drug abuse, low academic achievement, withdrawal, loss of sleep, violence toward others, and more.

Physical bullying is perhaps the type that is thought of automatically when we first consider this kind of behavior.

Physical bullying behavior includes:

Pinching
Hitting
Kicking
Spitting
Hair pulling
Hand gestures
Breaking a person’s belongings
Making physical threats

Verbal bullying is another type of bullying that many people are familiar with.

While negative behavior often can include a verbal element, verbal bullying is different and more severe.

Verbal bullying behavior includes:

Taunting or extreme teasing
Making threats to cause harm
Inappropriate sexual comments

Social bullying is also referred to as relationship bullying and usually includes an attempt at impacting the person’s social relationships or reputation.

This type of bullying is often seen between older children but can occur in younger groups as well.

Social bullying behavior includes:

Excluding someone on purpose
Embarrassing someone in social situations
Telling other people not to be that child’s friend
Spreading rumors

It is important to consider that for these behaviors to be considered bullying they must be repeated, targeted, and include an imbalance of power or be threatening in nature. A good litmus test for bullying is whether or not the victim feels unsafe and targeted by the bully.

Bullying Identification:
A Developmentally Appropriate Approach

Types of Bullying

Page 3

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Bullying Identification:​A Developmentally Appropriate Approach ​

Types of Bullying

Page 3

Course Navigation Menu

Bullying Identification:
A Developmentally Appropriate Approach