What Makes It Bullying?

1. It is intentional The person doing the bullying is deliberately trying to hurt, embarrass, or control someone else. It is not an accident or a misunderstanding.Example: A classmate who accidentally bumps into you in the hallway is not bullying; a classmate who shoves you on purpose every time they pass you is.
2. It happens repeatedly Bullying is a pattern of behavior that occurs over time, not just a single conflict or disagreement between peers.Example: Two friends who argue once and make up are having a conflict. Someone who teases you every day at lunch for weeks is bullying.
3. There is a power imbalance The person bullying has some advantage, whether physical size, social status, access to embarrassing information, or technological skill, that makes it difficult for the target to defend themselves.Example: A popular student spreading rumors about a quieter student who has fewer friends to support them.

Types of Bullying

How to Respond Safely

1. Tell a trusted adult Reporting bullying to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or other trusted adult is not tattling. Reporting means asking for help to stop someone from being harmed. Identify at least three adults you could talk to if bullying happens.Example: Your three trusted adults might be a parent, your school counselor, and a favorite teacher or coach.
2. Stay calm and protect yourself emotionally People who bully often want a reaction. While your feelings are completely valid, practicing staying outwardly calm, using a neutral tone, and removing yourself from the situation can reduce the bully's motivation to continue. Process your real feelings later in a safe space.Example: Take a slow breath, keep your face neutral, say 'okay' in a calm voice, and walk to where other people are. Talk to someone you trust about how you really feel afterward.
3. Remove yourself when possible When it is safe to do so, walk away or take a different route to avoid the person bullying you. This is not giving in; it is a strategic choice to keep yourself safe while you work on a longer-term solution.Example: If someone bothers you in a specific hallway, take a different path to class while you work with an adult on a plan.
4. Use assertive body language Research shows that confident body language, such as standing tall, making brief eye contact, and speaking in a steady voice, can deter bullying behavior. Practice these skills so they feel more natural when you need them.Example: Practice in front of a mirror: stand straight, look ahead, and say 'Leave me alone' in a firm, steady voice.
5. Save evidence of cyberbullying If bullying occurs online, save screenshots and do not delete messages. This evidence can be important when reporting to adults or school officials. Most platforms also have reporting and blocking features that can help.Example: Take a screenshot of the hurtful message or post, including the date and the person's username, before blocking them.

Remember

• Bullying is never your fault No one deserves to be bullied. The responsibility lies entirely with the person choosing to engage in bullying behavior.Example: It does not matter what you wear, how you look, or what you are interested in — no one has the right to treat you that way.
• You are not alone Many young people experience bullying. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and there are people who want to help.Example: If you are not sure who to talk to, you can text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) to reach a trained counselor.
• Being a bystander matters If you see someone being bullied, you can help by supporting the person being targeted, refusing to participate, and reporting what you saw to an adult. Research shows that bystander intervention is one of the most effective ways to stop bullying.Example: You could sit with someone who is being excluded, say 'That's not cool' when you hear someone being mean, or quietly tell a teacher what you saw.