BULLYING

School bullying is a type of bullying that occurs in an educational setting. Bullying can be physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional in nature.

School bullying may be more specifically defined as an unwelcome behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be repeated (or potentially repeated) and aggressive, and must include

• A difference in power: Kids who bully use their physical strength or popularity to control or harm others.
• Repetition: happening more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

The long term effects of school bullying are numerous, and can include sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. Recent statistics suggest that the majority of students will experience bullying at some point in their academic careers. In the early 21st century, increasing attention has been given to the importance of teachers and parents understanding and recognizing the signs of bullying (among both bullies and victims), and being equipped with strategies and tools to address school bullying.