Bullying is when someone is picked on by a person or group. Bullies might make fun of people who they think don’t fit in.
Bullies might make fun of others for many things, including:
- appearance (how someone looks)
- behavior (how someone acts)
- race or religion
- social status (whether someone is popular)
- sexual identity (like being gay, lesbian, or transgender)
Bullying can come in different types:
- Physical bullying is when bullies hurt their targets physically. This might be shoving, tripping, punching, or hitting. Any form of touching that a person does not want can be bullying and possible sexual assault.
- Verbal bullying is taunting or teasing someone.
- Psychological bullying is gossiping about or excluding people to make them feel bad about themselves.
- Cyberbullying is when bullies use the internet and social media and say things that they might not say in person. This can include sending mean texts, posting insults about someone on Twitter, or making rude comments on their Instagram pictures. Cyberbullies also might post personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.
What Are the Effects of Bullying?
Bullies often pick on people over and over again. This can make teens:
- feel afraid, stressed, depressed, or anxious
- have thoughts about suicide or hurting themselves
- have trouble with their schoolwork
- have problems with mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite
What Kind of People Are Bullies?
Both guys and girls can be bullies. Bullies may be:
- outgoing and aggressive. This kind of bully might make fun of you to your face or physically hurt you.
- quiet and sneaky. This kind of bully might try to manipulate in secret. They might anonymously start a damaging rumor just to see what happens.
- friendly and fake. This kind of bully might pretend to be your friend so that you tell them things, but then do hurtful things behind your back.
