Bullying Prevention
From school hallways to adult workplaces — bullying takes many forms and causes lasting harm.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior designed to harm, intimidate, or control another person who may have difficulty defending themselves. Three characteristics define bullying and distinguish it from ordinary conflict: intent to harm, repetition over time, and a power imbalance — whether based on physical size, social status, numbers, or digital reach.
Bullying is not a rite of passage or a normal part of growing up. Approximately 20% of students experience bullying annually, and it is directly linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, academic decline, substance use, and in severe cases, self-harm and suicide. Adults are not immune — one in three workers report experiencing or witnessing workplace bullying. At any age, bullying is a serious harm that demands a serious response.
Types of Bullying
Bullying looks different depending on the setting and the tools available. All forms cause real harm.
Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, taking or damaging belongings. The most visible form of bullying, and the one most often taken seriously — though physical acts are frequently preceded by other forms.
Verbal Bullying
Name-calling, taunting, insults, threats, and degrading remarks. Often dismissed as 'harmless words,' but verbal bullying causes significant psychological harm and can escalate to other forms.
Social / Relational Bullying
Excluding someone from groups, spreading rumors, manipulating friendships, damaging social reputations. Particularly common among girls and increasingly prevalent in digital spaces.
Cyberbullying
Harassment, threats, exclusion, or humiliation conducted through digital platforms. Unlike in-person bullying, cyberbullying can follow the victim everywhere and involve a large audience instantly.
Workplace Bullying
Persistent mistreatment by colleagues or managers — undermining work, exclusion, humiliation, or threats. Affects one in three workers and causes serious harm to mental health and career outcomes.
20%
Students bullied annually
Source: NCES
70%
Students witness bullying
Source: StopBullying.gov
160K
Skip school daily due to bullying
Source: National Education Association
36%
Actually report bullying
Source: NCES
Recognizing Bullying
Warning signs look different depending on who you are and what your relationship is to the situation.
Signs YOU Are Being Bullied
Signs Your CHILD Is Being Bullied
For BYSTANDERS: What You Can Do
Step-by-Step Response Guide
Taking action against bullying requires documentation, reporting, and support — in that order.
Document Everything
Keep a dated record of all incidents — what happened, where, who was involved, and who witnessed it. For cyberbullying, screenshot and save all evidence before blocking.
Tell a Trusted Adult or Authority
Report to a parent, teacher, counselor, or HR representative. You deserve support, and bullying rarely stops on its own. Bring your documentation.
Use Official Reporting Systems
Schools, workplaces, and platforms all have formal reporting mechanisms. Using them creates a paper trail that protects you and makes accountability possible.
Know Your Rights
All students have a right to a safe learning environment. Most states have anti-bullying laws. Workers have legal protections against harassment. You can request a formal investigation.
Seek Emotional Support
Talk to a counselor, therapist, or support group. Bullying causes real psychological harm — getting professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Common Questions About Bullying
Answers to the questions students, parents, and adults ask most.
Related Programs
Stay Informed. Stay Safe.
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Stand Against Bullying
Every person deserves to feel safe in their school, workplace, and community. Education and action make a difference.