Definition, Health Effects, and How to Stop It
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“Common to all forms of bullying is the negative psychological impact that includes manipulation and intimidation tactics aimed at instilling fear in the target. Each form can impact an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” Walker says.
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying calls back the image of the schoolyard bully threatening to beat up a smaller student for their lunch money. Walker says that it includes aggressive and assaultive behavior such as hitting, kicking, or pushing, which can result in both physical injury and long-term psychological trauma.
It can happen in adult scenarios, too, however. Damaging someone else’s belongings or property are examples, Esmaeilpour says. And the same behaviors of hitting, punching, or being physically aggressive toward others happen among adults and can be considered bullying as well, she says.
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying is any ongoing verbal interaction that may include name-calling, insults, and offensive or abusive comments. The comments can be subtle or blatant, and can inflict serious emotional harm.
Common examples include making derogatory comments about someone’s appearance, religion, ethnicity, or sexuality, Esmaeilpour says.
Passive-Aggressive Bullying
“Passive-aggressive bullying is problematic due to its elusive nature, making detection difficult,” says Monika Roots, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the co-founder and president of Bend Health, a virtual pediatric and family mental health care company.
Just because it’s harder to identify doesn’t make it less harmful. “The emotional impact includes stress and self-doubt, undermining relationships, and potentially escalating conflicts. Persistent exposure can harm mental health and reduce a child’s productivity at school,” Dr. Roots explains.
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Cyberbullying
While verbal, physical, and passive-aggressive bullying take place during in-person social interactions, the internet has created a new realm for bullying.
“Cyberbullying is a more modern and pervasive form that occurs through digital platforms by creating and sharing harmful or private content about someone to damage their credibility, cause embarrassment, and create psychological terror,” says Walker.
RELATED: Is Social Media Safe for Kids, Teens? What Parents and Other Caregivers Should Know
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