Bullying

Bullying is hurting someone else through actions (like hitting someone or breaking their belongings) or words (teasing, harassing, or threatening). The bully may be bigger, stronger, or more popular than the victim.

Bullying can happen in many places, such as home, school, or work. It can happen once or be repeated many times.

• Both boys and girls can be bullies

• Bullying can happen at any age, from preschool through adulthood

• Many students are bullied through email, text messages, and social media (this is called cyberbullying)

• Bullying or being bullied isn't a normal part of childhood

Sexting is digitally sending sexual messages or photos to someone. Sexting can lead to bullying if someone wants to hurt or embarrass the person whose pictures or sexual messages were shared.

People who are bullied may have:

• Sadness

• Embarrassment

• Injuries

• Anxiety

• Poor self-esteem

A young victim of bullying may be embarrassed to tell an adult. Teachers and parents often don't realize that a child is being bullied. Many victims are physically and/or emotionally harmed by bullying.

Bullies learn negative behaviors that, if not corrected, can lead to further violence. Bullies are less likely to remain in school, be employed, or have stable relationships as adults, and are more likely to be imprisoned in later life.

Bullying is wrong. If someone bullies you, you can:

• Tell an adult

• Walk away

• Change your daily activity so you avoid the bully

• Talk to a therapist or counselor

• Pretend to ignore the bullying so the bully loses interest

If the bullying happens at school, tell school officials.

Don’t ignore the bullying. The most important thing to do when you see bullying is to address it right away.

If your child is bullied:

• Get the facts from your child and tell school officials

• Remind your child that bullying is not their fault and is never okay

• Tell your child to try to avoid and ignore the bully

• Get police or medical assistance if necessary

• Get your child counseling if necessary

• Stopbullying.gov

• HealthyChildren.org