(iii) Forms of Bullying

Introduction

Bullying is a pervasive social issue that affects individuals across age groups, cultural contexts, and environments. It is generally defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and is repeated over time (Olweus, 1993). This behavior can manifest in multiple forms, each with distinct characteristics and impacts on the victim. Understanding the different forms of bullying is critical for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies in educational, workplace, and digital settings.

1. Physical Bullying

Definition: Physical bullying involves bodily harm or threats of harm to another person and includes acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging property.

Characteristics:

  • Most visible form of bullying.

  • Often occurs in schoolyards or public places.

  • Can result in visible injuries or psychological trauma.

Example: A student being punched or shoved repeatedly by peers during recess.

Reference:

  • Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do. Oxford: Blackwell.

2. Verbal Bullying

Definition: Verbal bullying includes spoken or written words intended to demean, humiliate, or hurt another person emotionally.

Examples:

  • Name-calling

  • Insults

  • Teasing

  • Intimidation or threats

Impact:
Verbal bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem in victims, especially when it becomes persistent.

Reference:

  • Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, S. M. (2003). Research on school bullying and victimization: What have we learned and where do we go from here? School Psychology Review, 32(3), 365–383.

3. Social (Relational) Bullying

Definition: Also known as relational aggression, social bullying involves damaging someone's social reputation or relationships.

Forms:

  • Spreading rumors

  • Purposeful exclusion

  • Public embarrassment

  • Manipulating friendships

Key Insight:
This form of bullying is often covert and more common among girls (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995).

Reference:

  • Crick, N. R., & Grotpeter, J. K. (1995). Relational aggression, gender, and social-psychological adjustment. Child Development, 66(3), 710–722.

4. Cyberbullying

Definition: Cyberbullying involves bullying through digital technologies such as social media, text messaging, email, and online gaming.

Examples:

  • Sending threatening or degrading messages

  • Posting embarrassing images or videos

  • Impersonation or online exclusion

Uniqueness:
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and can be anonymous, increasing its psychological harm.

Reference:

  • Kowalski, R. M., Limber, S. P., & Agatston, P. W. (2012). Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. Wiley-Blackwell.

5. Sexual Bullying

Definition: Sexual bullying involves repeated, harmful behaviors that are sexual in nature. These can be verbal or physical and include inappropriate sexual comments, gestures, or physical contact.

Forms:

  • Sexual jokes or taunts

  • Inappropriate touching

  • Sexting or sharing explicit content without consent

Impact:
Victims of sexual bullying often experience trauma, shame, and long-term mental health challenges.

Reference:

  • Duncan, N. (1999). Sexual bullying: Gender conflict and pupil culture in secondary schools. Routledge.

6. Prejudicial Bullying

Definition: Bullying based on prejudices towards race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Examples:

  • Racial slurs

  • Mocking cultural practices

  • Homophobic or transphobic remarks

Context:
This form is deeply rooted in societal stereotypes and can escalate into hate crimes.

Reference:

  • Greene, M. B. (2006). Bullying in schools: A plea for measure of human rights. Journal of Social Issues, 62(1), 63–79.

7. Parental and Sibling Bullying

Definition: Bullying within the home by family members, especially parents or older siblings, through physical, emotional, or verbal abuse.

Forms:

  • Favoritism

  • Belittling or harsh discipline

  • Constant comparison or neglect

Impact:
Can have long-term effects on a child's self-worth and interpersonal relationships.

Reference:

  • Wolke, D., & Skew, A. J. (2012). Bullying among siblings. The Lancet, 380(9842), 171–172.

Conclusion

Bullying is a complex social phenomenon with various forms, each carrying distinct psychological and social consequences. While physical and verbal bullying are most easily recognized, forms such as relational, cyber, and prejudicial bullying can be more insidious and equally damaging. Effective anti-bullying strategies must take a multifaceted approach, addressing each type through education, policy, and supportive interventions.

References

  • Crick, N.R. and Grotpeter, J.K., 1995. Relational aggression, gender, and social-psychological adjustment. Child Development, 66(3), pp.710–722.

  • Duncan, N., 1999. Sexual Bullying: Gender Conflict and Pupil Culture in Secondary Schools. London: Routledge.

  • Espelage, D.L. and Swearer, S.M., 2003. Research on school bullying and victimization: What have we learned and where do we go from here? School Psychology Review, 32(3), pp.365–383.

  • Greene, M.B., 2006. Bullying in schools: A plea for measure of human rights. Journal of Social Issues, 62(1), pp.63–79.

  • Kowalski, R.M., Limber, S.P. and Agatston, P.W., 2012. Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Olweus, D., 1993. Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do. Oxford: Blackwell.

  • Wolke, D. and Skew, A.J., 2012. Bullying among siblings. The Lancet, 380(9842), pp.171–172.