What is bullying?
How to identify bullying, and signs your child might be involved in bullying at school.
Bullying is defined by three key features:
- it involves a misuse of power in a relationship
- it is intentional, ongoing and repeated
- it involves behaviours that can cause harm.
Having a disagreement with a friend, or a single incident or argument is not defined as bullying. These behaviours may be upsetting, and should be resolved, but they are not bullying.
Physical and verbal bullying, such as kicking or name calling can be easy to see (overt). Other types of bullying, such as social exclusion or spreading rumours are not as easy to see (covert).
A person can be bullied about many different things such as how they look, sound or speak; their background, religion, race or culture including being Aboriginal; they have a disability; their size or body shape; their schoolwork, hobbies or achievements; or other ways they may be different.
Bullying can also happen online using technology such as the internet or mobile devices. This is also called cyberbullying.
For further information go to: What is Bullying?
If you are concerned that your child may be being bullied or are bullying others, contact the school to arrange a time to talk to your child’s class teacher.
Additional Anti-Bullying Resources: