What are the different types of bullying?

Being bullied is a very stressful and tough experience. It can make you feel scared, stressed, worried and angry. It can also cause physical problems such as stomach aches or trouble sleeping. To try to combat this problem, the Anti-Bullying Centre at DCU conducts a variety of research into bullying, as well as offering resources to victims. As part of their work, they have identified six types of bullying.

There are many different types of bullying that can be experienced by children and adults alike. Some are obvious to spot while others can be more subtle. The different types of bullying below are some of the ways that bullying could be happening.

Different types of bullying

Verbal bullying: This is a type of bullying that occurs when the bully calls you names or says nasty and hurtful things to you. Verbal attacks can also be directed towards your race, colour or religion. Spreading rumours is also a form of verbal bullying.

Physical bullying: This is a type of bullying that involves everything from hair pulling to punching and kicking. Sometimes people around you may think that you and the bully are just messing around and play acting, but you know it is most definitely not a fun game.

Gesture bullying: This is a type of bullying where the bully stares/looks at you in an intimidating way or where they use threatening gestures towards you.

Exclusion bullying: This is a type of bullying where the bully isolates their victim and leaves them out of things. So you may be left all alone at lunchtime because the bully makes sure that few people will speak to you. This can have a terrible impact on your confidence and self-esteem.

Extortion bullying: This is a type of bullying where the bully threatens to hurt you if you do not do what he says. So you may be forced to give the bully money, possessions or even your lunch. You may even be forced to steal school property.

Cyber-bullying: This is a type of bullying where the bully attacks you online in the form of threatening emails, threatening texts and/or aggressive wall posts on social media accounts.

You can read more about bullying and its different types at the The Anti-Bullying Centre.

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