Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can present in the form of threats, physical assault, and intimidation that is intentional and involves a difference in power and/or strength.
Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents, but that does not mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Children who are bullied experience real suffering that can interfere with their social and emotional development and school performance. Some victims of bullying – even younger children – have attempted suicide or even died by suicide due to the harassment and pain caused by bullying.
Bullying behavior can be physical, verbal, or electronic. Boys tend to use physical intimidation or threats, regardless of the gender of their victims. Bullying by girls is more often verbal, usually with another girl as the target. In recent years, online bullying has also increased via social networking sites, email, online games, and texts and chats.
To learn more about how to help a child who is being bullied, what to do if your child is bullying others, how to work with your child’s school, and more, visit the AACAP’s Bullying Resource Center at the link below.