Bullying

Bullying is a pattern of aggressive behavior or harassment directed by one person or group at another, repeated over time. It is generally defined by three characteristics: the behavior is repeated, it is intended to cause harm or humiliation, and it involves a power imbalance—such as differences in physical strength, numbers, social status, or reputation. This power differential distinguishes bullying from ordinary conflict between peers of equal standing.

Bullying occurs in schools, workplaces, prisons, military units, homes, and social media platforms. It takes several forms: physical (hitting, pushing, property destruction), verbal (insults, mockery, name-calling), social or relational (exclusion from groups, spreading rumors, reputation damage), and electronic, known as cyberbullying.

Structure of the behavior

Bullying typically involves more than a direct interaction between two people; bystanders and observers are present. These observers may participate through laughter, further spreading of the incident, or silence—all of which reinforce the bully's position. Research has shown that changes in group dynamics and the response of bystanders can affect the severity of the behavior, meaning it is not determined solely by the individual perpetrator.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying occurs through email, social media, online games, and shared images. It differs from face-to-face bullying in that it can occur 24 hours a day, the perpetrator can use a pseudonym, and the posted material is difficult to remove from the internet. Additionally, the boundary between home and school becomes blurred, and victims may encounter the bullying in unexpected settings.

Workplace bullying

In workplaces, bullying manifests as work overload or excessive demands, withholding of information, excessive monitoring, public humiliation, or exclusion from team interactions. It is often linked to management structure and complaint procedures. Many countries have incorporated provisions in labor law referred to as 'protection of mental health' at the workplace.

Effects and prevention

People who experience ongoing bullying have been found to show elevated levels of anxiety, depression, school absenteeism, and declining academic performance. Effects are also documented among perpetrators and observers. Evaluated prevention programs combine clear school policies, staff training, parental involvement, and procedures for students to report incidents. Single interventions, such as lectures alone, have been shown to have limited lasting effect.