Bullying
Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance, intended to harm, intimidate, or control another person.
Power imbalance: An unequal distribution of influence, authority, resources, or ability to affect outcomes between people or groups. Bullying depends on an actual or perceived advantage that makes resistance difficult.
School bullying: Repeated aggressive behavior among students involving a real or perceived power imbalance. This is the familiar peer setting where bullying is often identified and studied.
Anxiety disorder: A mental disorder marked by persistent, excessive fear or anxiety that impairs daily functioning. Ongoing victimization can contribute to anxiety symptoms and distress.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: A school-wide program designed to reduce bullying through coordinated policies, supervision, and classroom practices. It applies a whole-school approach rather than relying only on individual discipline.
Teasing: Playful or provocative remarks directed at someone, which may be welcome or unwelcome. Teasing becomes bullying only when it forms a harmful pattern with a power imbalance.
Coercive control: A pattern of intimidation and restriction used to dominate another person’s choices and behavior. Repeated intimidation can make bullying a method of controlling another person.
Workplace bullying: Repeated mistreatment at work, such as intimidation, humiliation, or deliberate obstruction. The same pattern can occur between coworkers or through abuse of workplace authority.
Depression: A mental health condition involving persistent low mood or loss of interest and changes in functioning. Bullying is associated with depressive symptoms among targeted people.
KiVa: A Finnish school-based anti-bullying program that targets group norms and bystander behavior. Its lessons and interventions aim to reduce peer reinforcement of bullying.
Harassment: Unwanted conduct that targets or demeans a person and may violate law or policy. Harassment can be a single serious incident, while bullying is commonly defined by repetition.