Home Psychology topics

Bullying

A group of five teens making fun of another student outside a school

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions.

The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself 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.

Adapted from APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

Cyberbullying: What is it and how can you stop it?

Explore the latest psychological science about the impact of cyberbullying and what to do if you or your child is a victim

Spotlight: Can school-wide social and emotional learning reduce cyberbullying among adolescents?

In a large-scale survey study, Chunyan Yang and colleagues used multilevel modeling to examine how components of school-wide social and emotional learning influenced adolescents’ cyberbullying experience.

Students experiencing bullying

Teachers are critical contributors to promoting safe school interactions and promoting positive relationships

Students Exploring Gender Identity

Teachers are critical in establishing welcoming and safe environments, setting expectations for student interactions, and modeling inclusive language, which continues to evolve over time.

More resources about bullying