The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

Module 4: Screening and Assessment - Page 13 of 22

Bullying Characteristics

In the specific context of bullying, it is important for a teacher to differentiate between bullying behavior and normal peer conflict, particularly when other behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues may be present.

There are three defining characteristics of bullying:ref, ref

  1. Intent to harm. The bully finds pleasure in taunting or trying to dominate the victim and continues even after the victim is in distress.
  2. Intensity and duration. The bullying continues over a long period of time, and the effect is damaging to the victim's self-esteem.
  3. Power of the bully. The bully uses age, strength, or size to overpower the target.

Other defining aspects of bullying have to do with the effects on the victim:

  1. Vulnerability of the victim or target. The target is sensitive to teasing and cannot adequately defend him or herself. Physical or psychological qualities also may play a role in being bullied.
  2. Lack of support. The target feels isolated and vulnerable. Often, the target does not report the incident due to fear of retaliation.
  3. Long-term consequences. The damage to the victim's self-esteem is often long lasting and may lead the student to withdraw from school and peers or makes them more aggressive.

Peer Conflict

In contrast, a normal peer conflict will not contain any of those elements found in a bullying-target relationship. Peer conflicts involve the following five factors:ref

  1. Freedom of expression. Peers do not insist on getting their own way.
  2. Willingness to communicate. Peers give reasons when they disagree.
  3. The relationship is valued. Peers apologize or try to find win-win situations.
  4. Negotiation is an option. Peers will bargain and negotiate to get their needs met.
  5. Disengagement is an option. Peers can change the topic or walk away.
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