Bullying is generally defined as a form of aggressive behavior marked by the intention of the perpetrator to inflict harm, distress or fear upon the victim.

 

It is important to note that behavior that is not intended to inflict harm, distress or fear on victims can constitute bullying if the victim experiences distress. For example, name-calling within a group of friends may unintentionally result in some unintended distress for a victim.

 

There are 4 types of Bullying:

• Physical Bullying - e.g. punching, kicking, constantly nudging and poking another child.

• Verbal Bullying - e.g. name calling, teasing, insulting, threatening.

• Relational Bullying - e.g. ostracism, spreading rumours about other people.

• Cyberbullying - i.e. bullying through electronic means.

 

Cyberbullying can be seen as an extension of traditional bullying. It is harder to manage because of the pervasiveness of online media in our everyday lives.

 

There are 4 types of Cyberbullying:

• Written or Verbal - E.g. posting a text, audio and/or video message through social media platforms.

• Visual - E.g. posting demeaning pictures of others online.

• Exclusion - E.g. kicking others out of games, refusal to accept entry into a class Facebook group.

• Impersonation - E.g. assuming the identity of another person on social media platforms.