Psychological Bullying: An All Too Common Example

Bullying is a pervasive issue in U.S. schools, with more than 16 percent of American school children reporting they had been bullied during the current term, according to a survey funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that bullying affects not only the victims but also the bullies themselves. People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem well into adulthood. Meanwhile, bullies are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.

The NICHD researchers surveyed 15,686 students in grades six-through-10 across public, parochial, and other private schools throughout the U.S. The study found that bullying can take various forms: physical (hitting or attacking), verbal (name-calling or threatening), and psychological (spreading rumors or excluding a person).

Approximately 13 percent of students reported engaging in moderate or frequent bullying, while 10.6 percent said they had been bullied either moderately or frequently. Notably, 6.3 percent of students had both bullied others and been bullied themselves, indicating the complex interplay between bullying behaviors.

Understanding Psychological Bullying

Psychological bullying, also known as relational or social aggression, can be subtle and difficult to detect. It often involves manipulating relationships, spreading rumors, or intentionally excluding someone from a group. Although psychological bullying may not leave visible scars, its impact on a child’s mental health can be profound and long-lasting.

Examples of Psychological Bullying

• Spreading rumors or lies about someone to harm their reputation
• Intentionally excluding a person from social activities or groups
• Embarrassing someone in public or humiliating them online
• Manipulating or controlling someone’s relationships or social status

Preventing and Addressing Bullying

Preventing bullying requires a comprehensive approach involving parents, educators, and students. Here are some strategies to address bullying:

• Create a safe and supportive school environment that encourages open communication about bullying.
• Educate students about the different forms of bullying and their negative consequences.
• Establish clear anti-bullying policies and consistently enforce them.
• Encourage bystanders to take action when they witness bullying.

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