There are three types of bullying:
Verbal bullying, such as teasing, name-calling, taunting, inappropriate sexual comments or threatening to cause harm
Social bullying, such as leaving someone out on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors, and sharing private or embarrassing information with others.
Physical bullying, such as hitting, kicking, punching, pinching, spitting, tripping or pushing.
Research shows that bullying has significant short- and long-term effects on children, including:
- Headaches, stomachaches and sleeping problems
- Avoidance of social situations
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Depression
- Increased school absenteeism and decreased grades
- Higher drop-out rates
- Higher likelihood of self-harm or suicide
Fortunately, there is a lot of really good information available to parents and caretakers to help you identify and deal with all forms of bullying: