What Is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone is picked on by a person or group. Bullies might make fun of people who they think don't fit in.

Bullies might make fun of others for many things, including:

  • appearance (how someone looks)
  • behavior (how someone acts)
  • race or religion
  • social status (whether someone is popular)
  • sexual identity (like being gay, lesbian, or transgender)

Bullying can come in different types:

  • Physical bullying is when bullies hurt their targets physically. This might be shoving, tripping, punching, or hitting. Any form of touching that a person does not want can be bullying and possible sexual assault.
  • Verbal bullying is taunting or teasing someone.
  • Psychological bullying is gossiping about or excluding people to make them feel bad about themselves.
  • Cyberbullying is when bullies use the internet and social media and say things that they might not say in person. This can include sending mean texts, posting insults about someone on Twitter, or making rude comments on their Instagram pictures. Cyberbullies also might post personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.

What Are the Effects of Bullying?

Bullies often pick on people over and over again. This can make teens:

  • feel afraid, stressed, depressed, or anxious
  • have thoughts about suicide or hurting themselves
  • have trouble with their schoolwork
  • have problems with mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite

What Kind of People Are Bullies?

Both guys and girls can be bullies. Bullies may be:

  • outgoing and aggressive. This kind of bully might make fun of you to your face or physically hurt you.
  • quiet and sneaky. This kind of bully might try to manipulate in secret. They might anonymously start a damaging rumor just to see what happens.
  • friendly and fake. This kind of bully might pretend to be your friend so that you tell them things, but then do hurtful things behind your back.

Many bullies are a lot alike. They:

  • like to be in control of others
  • are focused on themselves
  • have poor social skills and have a hard time getting along with people
  • might not care about people, or lack empathy
  • are often insecure and bully others to make themselves feel better

Some bullies don't understand normal social emotions like guilt, empathy, compassion, or remorse. These people need help from a mental health professional like a counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

What Can I Do?

There are many things that you can do if you're being bullied or know someone who is. You can:

Tell a trusted adult. Adults in positions of authority, like parents, teachers, or coaches, often can deal with bullying without the bully ever learning how they found out about it.

Ignore the bully and walk away. Bullies like getting a reaction. If you walk away or ignore them, you're telling them that you don't care. 

Walk tall and hold your head high. Using this type of body language sends a message that you're not vulnerable.

Don't get physical. You're more likely to be hurt and get into trouble if you try to fight a bully. Work out your anger in another way, such as exercising or writing it down (make sure you delete or tear up any emails, posts, letters, or notes you write in anger).

Try to talk to the bully. Try to point out that his or her behavior is serious and harmful. This can work well if you notice that a member of your own group has started to pick on or shun another member.

Practice confidence. Practice ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behavior. Practice feeling good about yourself (even if you have to fake it at first).

Talk about it. It may help to talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or friend — anyone who can give you the support you need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and frustrations that can build when you're being bullied.

Find your (true) friends. If you've been bullied with rumors or gossip, tell your friends so that they can help you feel safe and secure. Avoid being alone, especially when the bullying is happening a lot. 

Stand up for friends and others you see being bullied. Your actions help the victim feel supported and may stop the bullying.

Join your school's bullying or violence prevention programs. Peer mediation is another way you may be able to work things out with a bully. If your school doesn't have these programs, start one of your own.

What If I'm the Bully?

Some people bully to deal with their own feelings of stress, anger, or frustration. Bullies might also have been bullied and now want to show their power by bullying someone else.

If you have bullied someone:

  • Try talking to a trusted adult to talk about why you have become a bully. Ask them for some advice on how you could change.
  • Try thinking of how the person being bullied feels. Imagine how you would feel if you were the target.

Even though people are different, it's important to treat everyone with respect.

Back to Articles

Related Articles

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying

Just like other kinds of bullying, sexual bullying is intended to hurt, offend, or intimidate another person. Find out how to recognize sexual bullying and harassment and what to do.

Read More

Cyberbullying

Using technology to bully is a problem that's on the rise. The good news is awareness of how to prevent cyberbullying is growing even faster. See our tips on what to do.

Read More

How Can I Help Someone Who's Being Bullied?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

Should I Fight a Bully?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

I Bullied Someone. How Can I Apologize?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

Going to a Therapist

Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems.

Read More

Protecting Your Online Identity and Reputation

The virtual world is full of opportunities to interact with people around the world. It's also a place where nothing is temporary. Here are some tips for safeguarding your online identity.

Read More

Teens Talk About Bullying (Video)

In this video, teens talk about their experiences with bullying.

Read More

Should You Worry About School Violence?

After hearing news of school shootings or other violence, it's natural for students — no matter how old they are or where they go to school — to worry about whether this type of incident may someday happen to them or their friends.

Read More

Talking to Your Parents - or Other Adults

Whether it's an everyday issue like schoolwork or an emergency situation, these tips can help you improve communications with your parents and other adults.

Read More

Coping With Cliques

Are you on the outside looking in or the inside wanting out? Find out how to deal with cliques in this article for teens.

Read More

Stress

There's good stress and bad stress. Find out what's what and learn practical ways to cope in this article.

Read More

Finding Low-Cost Mental Health Care

If you need mental health care but don't think you can afford it, you're not alone. Get tips on finding low-cost or free mental health care in this article for teens.

Read More

Online Safety

Whether it's protecting yourself from hackers or cyberbullies, these tips for teens will help you navigate the digital world safely.

Read More

Stress & Coping Center

Visit our stress and coping center for advice on how to handle stress, including different stressful situations.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.