Bullying Awareness
Creating a culture of kindness & respect. Standing up to bullying — adult bullying affects 31% of Americans across workplaces and online spaces.
A pervasive problem with lasting scars
Bullying conjures up images of intimidation, fear, and pain. Adult bullying extends beyond youth and is a prevalent issue in adulthood, affecting 31% of Americans across various settings like workplaces and online spaces. This form of bullying is often subtle and psychological — social exclusion, character assassination, gaslighting, workplace sabotage, and digital harassment.
If You Are Being Bullied
Stay calm and non-reactive — bullies often seek a reaction to feel powerful. Walk away and set firm boundaries.
If You Witness Bullying
Don't be a silent bystander. Speak up and intervene if it's safe. Support the victim and report the incident to a trusted peer.
Document Everything
Keep a record of each event — the place, the time, who was involved, and any injuries you sustained.
Seek Emotional Support
You may be emotional or scared after a bullying event. Seek the support of a friend or a confidential mental health professional.
Are you or someone you know being bullied?
Call the free, confidential, 24/7 Lifeline.
Call / Text 988Forms it can take
Physical Bullying
Involves physical harm, such as hitting, kicking, pushing, and stealing possessions.
Verbal Bullying
Utilizes words to inflict pain, including name-calling, insults, threats, and spreading rumors.
Social Bullying
Aims to damage someone's reputation or relationships through exclusion, gossip, and manipulation.
Cyberbullying
Leverages technology — social media and messaging apps — to harass, humiliate, and threaten others online.
A cluster of these behaviors warrants attention
Physical
Unexplained injuries, damaged belongings, frequent headaches or stomachaches, changes in appetite or sleep.
Emotional & Behavioral
Increased anxiety, fear, withdrawal, depression, low self-esteem, reluctance to go to school or work, crying spells, nightmares.
Performance
Decreased focus, avoiding work assignments, increased absenteeism.
Cyberbullying Specifics
Changes in online activity, secrecy about device use, being upset or anxious after using devices, avoiding devices altogether.
We all have a role to play in stopping bullying and promoting kindness, respect, and empathy. The time to act is now. For more information about youth bullying, visit our sister site, Save The Next Child.