Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take many forms (both direct and indirect), such as hitting or punching, teasing or name-calling, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion, and sending or posting insulting messages or pictures by cell phone or online.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying includes the electronic creation or transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images as defined in Education Code § 48900. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage their reputation.
How You Should Respond to Bullying Behavior:
- If you or someone you know has been a victim of suspected bullying, report these instances to a teacher, counselor, supervisor, school administrator, or other trusted adult as soon as possible.
- If you experience bullying, some immediate steps you can take include walking away or telling the aggressor to stop in a firm, but calm way.
- If you witness bullying behavior, be more than just a bystander. Only intervene if it is safe to do so. Peer-to-peer early intervention is proven to be effective in reducing bullying.
- In a moment of bullying, a safe way someone can help the person being bullied can include creating a distraction to help focus the attention on something else.
- If you are the target of cyberbullying:
- Save evidence by taking screenshots or keeping copies of bullying texts, emails, or other communications.
- Don’t respond! Tell a teacher, counselor, supervisor, school administrator, or other trusted adult as soon as possible.
- Block the aggressors from your social media, email, or other social networking pages.
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