Bullying

social behavior · safety · mental health · standing up

Power imbalance matters. Bullying happens when one person or group has more power (physical, social, or popularity) and uses it against someone who can't easily fight back. This power difference is what makes it bullying instead of just a regular argument.

It keeps happening. Real bullying doesn't happen just once. It's repeated and happens over and over, which makes it different from a one-time mean comment or disagreement.

Hostile on purpose. Bullies deliberately want to hurt, scare, or control someone. They're not trying to solve a problem fairly, they're trying to make themselves seem more powerful by making someone else feel small.

Many different forms. Bullying can be physical (hitting), mean words, threats, spreading rumors, leaving someone out on purpose, or even hurtful comments online. It doesn't have to be physical to cause real harm.

It affects everyone. Bullying hurts the person being bullied, but it also affects the bully and people who witness it. Everyone involved needs support and understanding.