Oct. 30, 2025 | Bullying occurs when a person or group repeatedly harms someone on purpose. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes, male or female. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report issued in 2024, about one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property while more than one in six high school students reported being bullied electronically, including through texting and social media. And female students were found to be more likely than male students to experience bullying, both on school property and electronically. Bullying involves aggressive behavior and a difference in power, meaning that the victim is weaker or seen as weaker. For example, bullies may try to use physical strength, embarrassing information, or popularity to harm others. And it typically involves repetition, meaning that it happens more than once or that it will probably happen again.

Oct. 30, 2025 | Bullying is defined by being either social, physical or verbal. Social bullying, also called relational bullying, hurts someone’s reputation or relationships. This can include spreading rumors, embarrassing someone in public, and making someone feel left out. Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or belongings. Examples of this include hitting, kicking, and stealing or breaking someone’s stuff. Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things, including name-calling, taunting, and threatening. Kids who are bullied often don’t report it because they fear backlash from the bully or they think no one will believe them, so it’s important to know the signs of a bullying problem. Children who are bullied often suffer from depression or anxiety, have low self-esteem and have trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares. They may also exhibit self-destructive behaviors like harming themselves or talking about suicide.

Oct. 30, 2025 | Children who are overweight, dress differently or belong to a different cultural group are often at higher risk of being bullied. Those who struggle with depression or anxiety, have few friends or are less socially connected may also be more vulnerable to becoming targets. Dr. Kiley Jones of UAMS’ Child Study Center explains that the classic “Regina George” type – the socially powerful child who values popularity, likes to be in charge, and has strong influence among peers – is more likely to engage in bullying behavior, particularly if they have friends who also bully others. On the other hand, youth who have low self-esteem, or struggle to understand others’ emotions may also lash out and bully as a way of coping with their own distress. Dr. Jones notes that children who bully often witness violence at home or have parents who are less involved, which can reinforce the idea that using power to control others is normal.

Oct. 30, 2025 | Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending or sharing harmful or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior. Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief. Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. And because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.

Oct. 30, 2025 | If you have a child who you think is being bullied, there are certain steps you can take to help them. First, listen and focus on the child. Learn what’s been going on and show you want to help. Then assure them that bullying is not his or her fault. You should know that kids who are bullied may struggle with talking about it, so consider referring them to a school counselor, psychologist, or other mental health service. When giving advice, consider how the child might react if the bullying occurs again and then work together to resolve the situation and protect the bullied child. The child, parents, and school or organization should be part of the solution. And be sure to follow up with the child, as bullying may not end overnight. Make sure that the child knows that you are committed to making it stop. Children should be shown that bullying is taken seriously. Make it clear to everyone that the bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.