Read on to learn more about the main types of bullying, signs someone is being bullied, and how to deal with a bully.
6 Types of Bullying
In the United States in 2019, 1 out of 5 children ages 12–18 reported being bullied at school. Bullying included being:
Made fun of or called namesThreatenedPressured into doing thingsExcluded from activitiesPushed, shoved, tripped, or spit onThe subject of rumors
There are six main types of bullying, as discussed below.
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying is when someone is saying or writing harmful things or making threats. It includes:
Name-callingTauntingTeasingThreatening to cause harmMaking inappropriate comments
Social Bullying
Social bullying is also called relational bullying, relational aggression, or emotional bullying. It involves threatening someone’s reputation or relationships.
Social bullying can include:
Excluding someone on purposeSpreading rumors and gossip about someoneShunning, or telling others not to interact or be friends with someonePublicly embarrassing someone
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying includes bodily harm or damage to possessions. Any form of aggressive physical contact constitutes physical bullying.
This type of bullying can include:
Hitting, kicking, or spitting on someoneTripping or pushing someoneTaking or breaking someone’s thingsMaking mean or inappropriate gestures
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves bullying or harassing someone online or through social media. This harassment can occur on a computer, telephone, cell, or text messaging device.
Cyberbullying can include:
Sending mean textsPosting insults about someone on social mediaMaking rude comments about someone’s postsPosting or sending personal information about someone to others in order to hurt or embarrass that personThreatening someone or bullying them through online chats or groups
In a 2018 survey, 59% of U.S. teens reported being cyberbullied.
Racist Bullying
Racist or racial bullying can include all other types of bullying, even physical attacks. It includes:
Belittling, mocking, or intimidating someone because of their raceDevaluing someone’s racial backgroundDiscrediting someone’s religious or cultural practicesInsulting or shaming a person’s speech, the way they dress, or their customs
Sexual Bullying
Sexual bullying includes any unwanted sexual physical contact, inappropriate comments, or online harassment. It includes:
Sending or posting sexually explicit photos, messages, or videosMaking inappropriate sexual comments, jokes, or hand gesturesSpreading sexual rumorsGroping, grabbing, or touching in a sexual mannerPressuring someone for sex or sexually explicit photos
Signs of Bullying
Bullying occurs intentionally out of the sight of adults. When there are warning signs, they usually involve behavioral and emotional changes.
Signs someone you know is being bullied include:
They have physical signs like cuts, bruises, or scratches that are not easily explained. They try to get out of going to school. They suddenly start doing poorly in school. They come home moody, sad, teary, depressed, or overly fatigued. They have a loss of appetite or develop an eating disorder. They appear more stressed or anxious than usual. Their belongings come home torn or damaged, or they are missing altogether. They experience headaches, nausea, stomach aches, or other physical symptoms. They have nightmares, sleep disorders, insomnia, or trouble sleeping.
Why Do People Bully?
One study indicates that bullies tend to be bullied by their own family, so they may observe and mimic aggressive or angry behavior.
“There’s been a lot of discussion about bullying on the news. Do you know if that happens at your school?"“Is there anyone at school you don’t like to be around?““Are there any kids at school who are mean to you or other kids?”
Other reasons may include that they are:
Lashing out for attention due to lack of attention at home or elsewhereBeing bullied by their older siblings or adults in their lives (parent, teacher, coach, etc. )Elevating their own social status among their peersTrying to fit in with others who are bullyingInsecure, feeling incompetent, or experiencing poor self-esteem
Bullies may feel emotional relief from their own insecurity by dominating others.
Bullies often blame others and don’t accept the consequences of their actions.
How to Deal With a Bully
Bullies gain power and control by getting a reaction out of others. They get this reaction by aggravating, frightening, angering, or threatening others.
Some ways to deal with a bully include:
Get help: Seek help if you’re being bullied. This is especially important if it is escalating toward physical threats or actual assaults. Respond, don’t react: You may feel upset on the inside, but if you can respond calmly instead of reacting emotionally, you maintain control of your emotions. Getting a reaction out of other people is how bullies try to gain power and control. Walk away: If safe to do so, walk away from the situation. Take a screenshot: If you are cyberbullied, take a screenshot as evidence. Strength in numbers: Effective bullying intervention programs assign students into roles of peer supporters, peer mediators, and peer educators.
The Effects of Bullying
Adults bullied as children are likely to have mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
Have you repeatedly called other people names?Have you used your size or tone of voice to intimidate or threaten others?Have you made fun of others or said mean things to people about their weight or appearance?Have you spread rumors, posted comments, or shared something negative about someone on social media?
If you are mistreating others, you may have been mistreated yourself. It may be helpful to talk to a school counselor, trusted adult, or mental health professional.
Bullying affects bullies negatively as well. In one study, men who bullied and men who were bullied had increased risks of suicide.
Other effects in children and teenagers may include:
Low self-esteem Loss of interest in social activities Thoughts of self-harm or suicide Development of eating disorders Nightmares Loss of interest in school Difficulty focusing on learning Poor school attendance Lower testing scores and lower grades Higher dropout rates
Summary
Bullying is any unwanted and aggressive behavior that is intentionally done to hurt another person. It often occurs among children, adolescents, and teens, but it can happen to adults as well. Bullying creates a power imbalance, and it usually occurs repeatedly.
Types of bullying include physical, verbal, social, cyber, racist, and sexual. People who have been bullied may experience effects like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
A Word From Verywell
Being bullied can make you feel helpless, anxious, and depressed. Support is available to help you address any bullying you are facing. To find resources in your area, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information.
Try to avoid the bully, and walk or run away from them if it’s safe to do so. Alert nearby people or an authority figure. Try to remain calm.
