Bullying is a social relationship where an individual repeatedly picks on another individual. It can be physical, verbal or psychological. Perpetrators are equally likely to be boys or girls. Boys are more likely to be physically aggressive - for instance hitting and kicking - whereas girls are more likely to be verbally aggressive when they bully. Extortion, intimidation and destruction of property are all part of the behavior pattern.

Bullying is Bad for Everyone

Bullying affects the whole community, not just the bully and the victim. If a school is rife with bullying, it doesn't feel safe. Bullying poisons the social environment for everyone, has long-term consequences for the bully and the victim, and is a factor in suicides and violent incidents.

The whole community must be involved in the solution.

Peers are more important than they realize. They can be part of the audience and support the destructive behavior, or intervene in a positive way, perhaps by reporting the situation. Lack of intervention implies that bullying is acceptable and can be done without fear of consequences. Bullies and their accomplices need to understand the harm they cause and that their behavior will not be tolerated at school.

You have a RIGHT to attend school or any other public place without
fear of attack, physically or verbally.

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