Bullying - Not Just Child’s Play

Bullying is a hot topic across the nation. To understand it and address it, we need to know what it is. As the American Psychological Association defines, "Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort." It can be physical contact, words, or more subtle actions where the bullied individual typically has trouble defending themselves and does nothing to "cause" the bullying. Cyberbullying is verbally threatening or harassing behavior conducted through such electronic technology as cell phones, email, social media, or text messaging, again done with intent and repeatedly.

It's important to remember that we shouldn't take reports of bullying by any individual lightly. Exposure to bullying can harm a person's health and well-being, both physically and emotionally, throughout the whole body. Having clear and consistent policies for schools that define what bullying is, how reports of bullying are handled, and the consequences of participating in bullying is a good start for recognizing and addressing bullying. However, if those policies are ignored or complaints are not appropriately followed up on the institution becomes a part of the issue.

When we respond quickly and consistently to bullying, we communicate that it is unacceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help prevent bullying by discussing it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.