Bullying

Bullying behavior is defined as an ongoing physical or verbal mistreatment where there is an imbalance of power-usually a bigger, older child or person picking on a smaller, weaker one.

Bullying behaviors can include but are not limited to the following examples: being called names, teased, hit, attacked, pushed or punched, having your bag and other possession stolen, having  rumors spread about you, being ignored and left out, etc. Children can get bullied at school, at the playground, in class, in the restrooms, on their way to and from school, on the bus or in the park.  

Bullying is not a normal, natural or acceptable part of growing up. Many children get hurt both physically and emotionally from these abusive peers, and it's not just the victims that are affected. 

Young bullies can grow up to be abusive adults. Students and peers witnessing the bullying are distracted, intimidated or upset. Bullying in the classroom prevents students from learning and teachers from teaching. Bullying is an extreme, severe, frequent behavior.

Bullying behaviors are systematic; it's routine, ongoing and can last weeks, months, and even years. Bullying can begin as early as preschool and last throughout the high school years. It usually occurs and escalates when children reach middle age. Students who engage in bullying behavior seem to have a need to feel powerful and in control.  They seem to derive satisfaction from inflicting injury and suffering on others, seem to have little empathy for their victims and often defend themselves by saying that the victims provoked them in some way.

Bullying is a serious problem for many children and all forms of bullying are abusive and can dramatically affect children. No child deserves to be a victim of bullying behavior. All children have the right to a safe, comfortable environment while attending school, playing on the playground or walking home.