Bullying and Youth Violence

by Dr. Elizabeth Englander, Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, Bridgewater State College and Margaret Hannah, M.Ed, Executive Director, Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is a form of violence in which one person repeatedly targets another who is weaker, smaller, or more vulnerable. It is repeated behavior intended to harm or disturb the target. An imbalance of power exists in all bullying situations. Bullying can be physical, verbal, and/or psychological. Verbal bullying includes taunting, name-calling, making threats, and belittling the target. Physical bullying can include hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, biting, and taking personal belongings. Psychological bullying consists of spreading rumors, social exclusion, intimidation, extortion, and sexual harassment.

Both boys and girls can be bullies, but some general differences seem to exist. Research indicates that boys tend to bully others through physical aggression. Generally, girl bullies are more likely to use relationships and words to hurt others.

In the United States alone, bullying affects more than 5 million students in grades 6–11. One out of 7 students reported being victimized. Approximately 40%–75% of bullying takes place in the schoolyard, in school corridors, at recess, or in more secluded places, like bathrooms.

Bullying affects both targets and bullies. Targets of bullying are more likely to grow up depressed and anxious. Bullies are much more likely than nonbullies to become adult criminals.

Both boys and girls need to understand bullying behaviors and how to deal with them. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime for all involved — target, bully, and bystander. Targets may be quiet, shy, or socially awkward and less mature than their peers. Some targets are very bright and are picked on because of it. Being an ally to a target may result in becoming a target as well. Targets have a greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Most bullies act out of anger, frustration, or a desire to win respect. Bullies can develop into violent adults. Some bullies have previously been targets. Bullies are concerned with their own power and enjoy humiliating their targets in front of others. The bystander may not seem to be affected, but having witnessed bullying behavior, this child may fear that he will be bullied. The bystander often feels powerless, guilty, and that she lacks the courage to stop the bullying. Bystanders to repeated acts of bullying can become desensitized to the suffering of others.

Additional Sources of Information

Bullying

Cyberbullying