What is Bullying?

It is important for kids to recognize bullying so they can help stop it.

Bullying is different from conflicts, flights, or disagreements. Bullying is physical or emotional abuse that has three defining characteristics:

  • It is on purpose
  • It happens over and over again
  • It is an abuse of power

An excerpt from our 40-minute video featuring all star athletes from Boston’s professional sports teams sharing their stories and providing kids with ways to stand strong against bullying.

Bullying Defined

Inflicting physical or emotional harm is never acceptable. But it’s not bullying unless it meets three criteria: It’s on purpose, it happens over and over again, and it’s an abuse of power.

4 Types of Bullying

Physical
Bullying
Pushing
Punching
Beating Up
Verbal
Bullying
Teasing
Name Calling
Threatening
Relational
Bullying
Excluding
Ignoring
Spreading rumors
Getting others to turn against someone
Cyber
Bullying
Sending or posting hurtful, embarrassing, or threatening text or images using electronic technology

Related Resources

A poster designed to help kids talk about the definition and characteristics of Bullying.
An overview of the Boston vs. Bullies Educational Program with special emphasis on what parents can do to identify and prevent bullying behavior.