Types of Bullying
Rogelio Valdés
Apr 26, 2024
Most parents know the basic idea of bullying. One child bothers another by insulting them or pushing them around. But in reality, there are many different forms of bullying, and each one requires a different kind of response. Verbal bullying is not handled in the same way as physical bullying, for example. In this article, you will see the main types of bullying, how to identify them, and what to do in each case.
Verbal
Verbal bullying happens when a child is disrespected through nicknames, insults, threats, swearing, or constant criticism. Bullies often target physical appearance, a disability, a person’s beliefs, or their opinions.
Example
Comments such as “you never do anything right,” “fat,” “skinny,” “you’re stupid,” and insults directed at a child’s family all fall under verbal bullying.
How can you identify it?
Children who experience verbal bullying may show mood changes or react aggressively to certain comments. Sometimes they will tell you about something hurtful another child said and ask if it is true, for example: “I hate being short,” or “is it true that we are poor?” They may also seem fearful when interacting with other children, expecting to be mocked again.
What should you do?
Reinforce the idea that everyone deserves respect, and encourage children to tell a teacher or parent whenever a comment hurts them. Start by modeling respectful communication at home and noticing openly when someone’s words make us feel bad.
It is also important to strengthen self-confidence. Children need to know that their value is not defined by someone else’s opinion. If the bully sees that their comments do not produce the reaction they are looking for, they are more likely to lose interest.
Physical
Physical bullying happens when one child physically attacks another. This can include hitting, kicking, pushing, and even stealing or destroying personal belongings.
Example
A child may be shoved against a wall during recess, or their backpack may be taken and its contents scattered around.
How can you identify it?
The signs of physical bullying are often easier to notice than other forms. Children may come home with bruises, scratches, or torn clothing. They may also become afraid of going to school or begin avoiding certain places and people.
What should you do?
Children need to learn clearly that it is never acceptable to be physically aggressive toward others. If a child is being bullied physically, they should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult right away. Parents and teachers need to act immediately to ensure the child’s safety and address the bully’s behavior.
This example must also be reinforced at home. If children see physical violence between family members, that kind of treatment begins to feel normal.
Psychological or emotional
Psychological or emotional bullying happens when someone manipulates a child’s emotions in order to hurt them. This kind of bullying can be harder to recognize because it does not always leave visible signs.
Example
A bully might exclude a child from a group, spread false rumors, or threaten to end a friendship unless the child does certain things.
How can you identify it?
Children who are experiencing emotional bullying may change their behavior. They may isolate themselves, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, or show signs of anxiety or depression.
What should you do?
Talk with children about respecting other people’s feelings and the importance of treating everyone with kindness. If a child is experiencing emotional bullying, they should be encouraged to share what is happening with a trusted adult. Parents and teachers should address the situation immediately and provide emotional support.
Clear examples of healthy relationships are essential so children can recognize mistreatment, even when it is disguised as friendship. They need to learn both how they should treat their friends and what kind of treatment they should expect in return.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying happens when digital spaces such as social media, messaging apps, or online video games are used to harass, threaten, humiliate, or hurt another person. It can include offensive messages, the sharing of private or embarrassing information, or intentionally excluding someone from online activities.
Example
A bully may send threatening or insulting messages through platforms such as YouTube or TikTok, or use a game like Roblox to insult or isolate another player. They may also share private information or embarrassing photos online.
How can you identify it?
Signs of cyberbullying may include changes in a child’s online behavior, such as spending an unusual amount of time online, seeming upset after using the internet or a phone, or becoming secretive about their online activity. They may also avoid talking about what they do online or in their games.
What should you do?
Talk with children about respectful online behavior and the dangers of cyberbullying. They should know that they need to tell a trusted adult if they become victims of online harassment. It is also helpful to teach them not to respond to offensive messages and to block bullies when possible.
Parents and teachers should stay aware of children’s online activity and be ready to intervene. I usually recommend that if a child under 13 is using an online platform, parents should always have access to the username and password. Games like Roblox may seem harmless, but in practice they function as social networks where anyone can create multiple accounts.
Sexual
Sexual bullying refers to any kind of harassment involving unwanted comments, gestures, or actions of a sexual nature. This can include sexual rumors, offensive sexual jokes, unwanted touching, or sharing sexual images or messages without consent. It can happen both in person and online.
Example
One example would be spreading rumors about a person’s sexual activity or sending unwanted sexual messages or images through social media or messaging apps.
How can you identify it?
Signs of sexual bullying can include behavioral changes such as becoming more withdrawn or anxious, especially in social settings or when using digital devices. The child may seem uncomfortable around specific people or begin avoiding certain places. In digital cases, they may seem distressed after using devices or become unusually secretive about what they do online.
What should you do?
It is important to talk with children about respect for boundaries and personal autonomy, and to make sure they understand that unwanted sexual comments or behaviors are unacceptable. If a child is facing this kind of bullying, they should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult immediately. Parents and teachers must take steps to ensure the child’s safety and address the behavior.
Providing sex education is not only important, it is part of children’s rights. It should not be limited to the biological aspects of reproduction or to preventing pregnancy and disease. It must also include what healthy relationships look like and what kinds of treatment are appropriate. Of course, this must be adapted to age. The education a ten-year-old needs is different from what a seven-year-old needs.
Racial
Racial bullying happens when a person is mistreated because of race, skin color, nationality, religion, or another ethnic characteristic. It can appear in many forms, including racial insults, offensive jokes, harmful stereotypes, and even physical violence.
Example
A student may be mocked for their skin color, accent, religion, or cultural background. They may also be excluded, ignored, or treated unfairly by peers because of their race or ethnicity.
How can you identify it?
Children who experience racial bullying may show signs of anxiety, sadness, or depression. They may avoid school or specific activities and may appear withdrawn or isolated. They may also show lower self-esteem or a decline in school performance.
What should you do?
Children need to be taught to respect and appreciate cultural and racial differences. If a child is being bullied in this way, they should be encouraged to speak with a trusted adult. Parents and teachers need to respond immediately and support the victim. Racial bullying should never be minimized or ignored.
Social exclusion
Bullying through social exclusion happens when someone is deliberately left out of a group or certain activities. This kind of bullying can be especially painful because it makes the victim feel isolated and alone.
Example
A student may be systematically excluded from playground games, or classmates may intentionally ignore them or avoid them during school activities.
How can you identify it?
Children who are victims of social exclusion may show sadness and isolation. They may avoid school or specific activities, seem withdrawn, or show low self-esteem and a decline in academic performance.
What should you do?
Teach children to be inclusive and to value the diversity of their peers. If a child is experiencing exclusion, they should be encouraged to talk to a trusted adult. Parents and teachers should intervene quickly and support the child.
Group integration activities, games, and debates can help strengthen interaction and prevent exclusion. When there is too much tension, the best path is often to organize a dialogue session where every member of the group can express their feelings and feel heard, with the goal of clearing up misunderstandings.