Definition of bullying for middle schoolers.

📚 What is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally tries to hurt or scare another person. It's not just a one-time argument or disagreement. It involves a power imbalance, meaning the person bullying has more power – either physically, socially, or emotionally – than the person being bullied.

🗓️ A Little History of Bullying

Bullying isn't new. While the term 'bullying' became popular relatively recently, the behavior itself has been around for centuries. Think about stories you've read or heard – characters being picked on, excluded, or treated unfairly. Understanding the history helps us see that this is a persistent problem that needs our attention.

🔑 Key Principles of Bullying

• 😠 Intentional Harm: It's not an accident. The person bullying *wants* to cause hurt or distress.
• 🔁 Repetition: Bullying happens more than once. A single mean comment isn't usually bullying, but repeated mean comments could be.
• ⚖️ Power Imbalance: The person bullying has some kind of advantage over the person being bullied. This could be physical strength, popularity, or access to information.

🌍 Real-World Examples of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms:

• 🗣️ Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, insults, threats, and teasing.
• 👊 Physical Bullying: Hitting, kicking, shoving, and damaging someone's belongings.
• 🫂 Social Bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, or embarrassing someone in public.
• 💻 Cyberbullying: Using technology like social media, text messages, or emails to bully someone. This can involve posting hurtful messages, sharing embarrassing photos, or creating fake profiles.

🛑 What to Do If You See Bullying

• 🛡️ Intervene Safely: If it's safe to do so, tell the person bullying to stop.
• 📣 Report It: Tell a trusted adult, like a teacher, parent, or counselor.
• 🤝 Support the Person Being Bullied: Let them know you're there for them and that they're not alone.
• 📱 Document the Evidence: If it’s cyberbullying, keep screenshots of the messages or posts.

💡 Conclusion

Bullying is a serious issue, but by understanding what it is, recognizing its different forms, and knowing how to respond, we can all help create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Remember, if you or someone you know is being bullied, reach out for help. You are not alone!