Definitions & Differences
What is bullying?
Repeated harmful behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance.
A student calls a classmate a name once during an argument. What might this be?
Being mean. More context may be needed.
Name one type of power imbalance.
Social status, physical strength, group numbers, or control over a situation.
Name one way bullying can affect a student.
They may feel unsafe, lonely, worried, or less comfortable at school.
What does it mean to be a upstander, or positive witness to a bullying event?
Someone who takes safe, helpful action when they see someone being mistreated.
What does conflict mean?
A disagreement between people who generally have similar power.
A group repeatedly mocks one student and tells others not to sit with them. What is this likely to be?
Bullying: repeated harm combined with possible group social power.
Why might it be hard for a student to stand up to a group?
The group may have more social power, and the student may fear being targeted further.
How can bullying affect learning?
It can make it harder to focus, participate, attend school, or complete work.
You see a classmate sitting alone after being mocked. What could you do?
Invite them to join you, check on them, or offer support.
Can a one-time mean comment be bullying?
Usually, one incident alone does not meet the definition of bullying, but it still needs to be addressed.
Two friends disagree about which game to play. What is this?
Conflict.
A student threatens to spread rumors unless a classmate does their homework. What is happening?
The student is using threats and control. An adult should be told.
Does a mean comment matter if the speaker thinks it is funny?
Yes. Intent matters, but impact matters too.
You witness bullying, but speaking up feels unsafe. What can you do?
Get help from a trusted adult and report what you witnessed.
What is a power imbalance?
When someone has an advantage, such as social status, physical strength, or group support, that makes it harder for another person to defend themselves.
A student repeatedly makes fun of a classmate's reading after being asked to stop. What might this be?
Bullying, especially if there is a power imbalance.
Does being popular automatically make someone a bully?
No. Bullying depends on behavior, harm, repetition, and power—not popularity alone.
What should a student do if mean behavior continues after they ask it to stop?
Tell a trusted adult and explain what has been happening.
A friend sends cruel messages about another student. What is a helpful response?
Do not join in or forward the messages. Support the targeted student and report the behavior.
Name the 4 types of bullying
Physical, verbal, social, electronic
Two students disagree, apologize, and work out a fair solution. What is this?
Conflict handled constructively.
Why is it important not to blame the targeted student?
Everyone deserves respect. The person targeted is not responsible for someone else's harmful choices.
What is one way a student who has hurt someone can make things better?
Take responsibility, stop the behavior, listen, apologize sincerely, and make a positive change.
Name two safe ways to help someone being bullied.
Examples: include them, check on them, document and report online harassment, or ask a trusted adult for help.