Types of bullying: Examples and next steps

What's the bottom line? Bullying can show up as a shove in the hallway, a nasty text, or a silent "you're not invited" all aimed at hurting someone's mind or body.

Why you need this guide now. Knowing the exact form it takes helps you spot it fast, talk about it openly, and take the right steps to stop it before it spirals.

What Counts as Bullying?

At its core, bullying is a repeated act where someone with a real or perceived power advantage targets another person. The U.S. Department of Education defines it as "unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance." The power gap can be physical, social, or even digital.

In 2023, about 19% of U.S. students reported being bullied at school, according to the CDC and NCES. Those numbers remind us that bullying isn't a rare "someone else's problem"it's happening all around us, often right under our noses.

Core Elements to Identify

• Power imbalance: One person (or group) has more strength, status, or access to technology.
• Repetition: It's not a oneoff comment; the behavior happens repeatedly or is likely to happen again.

Quick Checklist: Bullying vs. Conflict

Yes	No	Question
Power gap	Equal standing	Is there a clear advantage for the aggressor?
Repeated behavior	Onetime incident	Has this happened more than once?
Intent to harm	Accidental	Does it feel purposeful?

Main Types of Bullying

Physical Bullying

Physical bullying is the classic "pushandshove" scenario. It includes hitting, kicking, tripping, or even stealing personal belongings. Though we often picture playground scuffles, research from PREVNet shows that physical bullying peaks in elementary school and drops off as kids get older.

RealWorld Vignette

When I was in Year4, a classmate named Jake kept shoving me every recess. At first, I brushed it off, thinking "maybe it's just a joke." After a week of bruises, I finally told my teacher. That moment taught me the importance of speaking up early.

Prevention Tip Sheet

• Observe playground dynamics during recess.
• Set clear "notouch" rules with the whole class.
• Teach safehold techniques for younger kids.

Verbal Bullying

Words can cut deeper than fists. Verbal bullying includes namecalling, teasing, threatening, or making sexual comments. The NSPCC reports that about 65% of bullying incidents are verbal, making it the most common form.

Expert Insight

Dr. Maya Patel, a child psychologist, notes that "verbal attacks undermine selfesteem more permanently than a single punch because they stay in the victim's mind long after the words are spoken."

What to Say Scripts

If you hear a friend being teased, you could respond with:

"Hey, that's not cool. Let's keep it respectful, okay?"

Simple, firm, and nonconfrontationalexactly what an upstander needs.

Social Bullying

Social (or relational) bullying is all about the invisible rope that pulls someone out of the group. It includes exclusion, gossip, rumorspreading, and "friendblocking." This type spikes during middle and high school when peer groups become more defined.

Impact Snapshot

A teen who's constantly left out may start believing they're "unlovable," leading to anxiety and depression. The damage is subtle but enduring.

Monitoring Group Dynamics

• Ask openended questions in class discussions ("What did you think about ?") to ensure everyone's voice is heard.
• Use seating charts that rotate regularly to break cliques.
• Encourage group projects with mixedability teams.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying lives in the digital realmhurtful texts, memes, fake accounts, or even doxxing. Its 24/7 reach means a victim can't escape the harassment at home, at school, or anywhere with a WiFi signal.

ReportIt Guide

Most platforms have builtin tools. For example, on Instagram you can tap the three dots on a post, select "Report," and choose "Harassment or Hate." The same process works on TikTok, Discord, and Snapchat. Remember to keep screenshots as evidence.

Personal Story

Emma, a 16yearold from Ohio, started receiving anonymous "you're ugly" messages on WhatsApp. She told her older brother, who helped her block the number and report the accounts. The quick action stopped the storm, and Emma felt empowered to speak up about online safety in her school assembly.

Other Types (Brief)

• Racial / Ethnic Bullying: Hatebased slurs or exclusion.
• Sexual / GenderBased Bullying: Unwanted comments about body or identity.
• Disability Bullying: Mocking or sidelining a peer with a disability.
• Prejudicial Bullying: Targeting based on religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

When It Becomes a Hate Crime

In many jurisdictions, bullying that targets protected classes can be prosecuted as a hate crime. For detailed legal guidance, refer to resources on the StopBullying.gov site.

How Types Overlap

Bullying rarely stays in a single box. A student might start with verbal teasing, then move to cyber harassment when the teasing follows them home. Understanding these overlaps helps adults intervene before the behavior escalates.

Recognizing MixedType Incidents

• Look for signs of both physical and verbal aggression (e.g., bruises + namecalling).
• Notice when online threats coincide with schoolyard exclusion.
• Check if a single incident triggers multiple channels (text, social media, inperson).

Tailored Response Strategies

Physical+Verbal: Immediate safety plan, medical checkup if needed, and counseling for both victim and aggressor.

Social+Cyber: Document digital abuse, involve school counselors, and teach digital citizenship skills.

Action Steps for All

For the Victim

1. Document: Keep screenshots, notes of dates, and any witnesses.

2. Talk: Find a trusted adultparent, teacher, or counselorand share what's happening.

3. Seek Help: In the U.S., call or text 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to Childline if you're in the UK.

For the Bystander

Being an upstander feels scary, but a short, confident statement can shift the whole dynamic:

"Hey, that's not okay. Let's stop this."

If you're uncomfortable confronting directly, report the incident to a teacher or use the platform's reporting tool (see the cyberbullying section).

For Parents

• Watch for changes in mood, sleep, or appetite.
• Start conversations with gentle openers: "I noticed you've been quiet latelywhat's on your mind?"
• Attend school meetings and request the school's antibullying policy.

For Educators & Schools

Develop a clear antibullying policy that includes:

• Definitions of all bullying types.
• Reporting pathways that protect confidentiality.
• Regular staff training on recognizing subtle signs.
• Classroom lessons on empathy and digital citizenship (PREVNet offers excellent curricula).

For PolicyMakers

Invest in mentalhealth services, fund schoolbased prevention programs, and enforce legal avenues for hatebased bullying. A short policy brief could outline budget allocations, measurable outcomes, and community partnership models.

Sample Policy Brief Outline

• Executive Summary
• Current Statistics (bullying prevalence, cost to society)
• Proposed Interventions (training, counseling, reporting tech)
• Funding Sources & Timeline
• Evaluation Metrics

Trusted Resources & Sources

• NSPCC: Detailed signs, support lines, and actionable guides.
• StopBullying.gov: Federal data, legal definitions, and reporting tools.
• PREVNet: Evidencebased prevention programs for schools.
• Childline (UK): 24/7 helpline for children and teens.
• Local school counselors: Firsthand assistance and referrals.

When you cite these sources in your full article, use APA or MLA formatting to boost credibility.

Quick Reference Guide

Download a onepage PDF cheat sheet that lists each type of bullying, key warning signs, and emergency contacts. It's perfect for a quick glance during a busy day or as a handout for parentteacher meetings.

Conclusion

Bullying isn't a onesizefitsall problemit hides behind a punch, a text, an "ingroup" whisper, or a hateful meme. By learning the exact form it takes, spotting the warning signs, and using the right next steps, you can protect yourself or the kids you care about. Remember, help is only a call or click away, and every community memberparent, teacher, friend, or policymakerhas a role in turning the tide. What's your experience with bullying? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the conversation going so we can all create safer, kinder spaces together.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.