Bullying 101 Stenulson 1 “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Most of us have heard the children’s rhyme, which persuades a child being called names to ignore the taunting, refrain from retaliation, and to remain calm and level-headed. Now more than ever those words seem significantly untrue. In today’s society, bullying is a powerful epidemic in our homes, schools, and neighborhoods. An issue once thought to be just a part of growing up, has emerged as a “behavioral cancer” eating away at the academic, physical, social, and emotional development of all parties involved. Despite extensive …show more content…
So what is bullying? Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (Stop 1). There are several types of bullying, which include physical bullying, verbal bullying, relational bullying, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying (Kaiser …show more content…
It includes behaviors such as hitting, kicking, shoving, taking and/or destroying property. Physical bullying is most common among males (Kaiser 1).
Verbal bullying includes name-calling, insulting, intimidating, mocking, threatening, taunting, teasing, and making racist, sexist, or sexual comments. So is there a fine line between teasing and bullying? That is a question, that not everyone agrees on, but some researchers see teasing and bullying as intentionally hurtful behavior. Verbal abuse is the most common form of bullying for both sexes (Kaiser 1).
So what type of bullying is considered the most hurtful? Both boys and girls consider relational bullying as the most hurtful type of bullying. Relational bullying occurs when someone is excluded a group or event, talked about behind their back, is the subject of rumors and lies, or giving the silent treatment. Relational bullying deprives individuals the opportunity feel close and accepted by their peers, which is important for their well-being and development. Girls are more likely to use, and to become the targets of, relational bullying (Kaiser