What is bullying?

Bullying encompasses a wide range of behaviors that can hurt someone. This could include, but certainly is not limited to:

• Physical aggression
• Teasing or namecalling
• Spreading rumors and gossip
• Hurtful behaviors on social media
• Purposefully leaving someone out

It can sometimes be hard to recognize bullying. Hurtful or harmful behavior becomes bullying when one person has more power and uses their power to fight, frighten or exclude other people.

How bullying impacts children

Bullying can jeopardize children's safety and can create both short and long-term consequences for all involved. Those impacted by harmful behaviors--whether an agressor, a target, or a bystander--may be more likely to develop academic problems and face social and emotional difficulties.

Please click here for MPS information on Bullying Prevention.