Online guide to bullying: how to recognize it

There are some behaviours which can be identified as bullying if repeated frequently, especially if the victim is unable to avoid them.

Following is a list of bullying behaviours:

• Threatening or insulting others
• Pushing, shoving or beating somebody up
• Teasing and name calling
• Spreading rumours or saying mean things about somebody
• Making fun of somebody because of their race, sex or religion
• Laughing at somebody when they walk by
• Whispering or speaking in code in front of somebody
• Sending malicious sms or e-mails and making insulting phone calls
• Ignoring somebody or turning around when that person approaches
• Forcing others to do things they don't want to do
• Stealing or hiding others' books, snacks, money or other stuff.

It's not bullying if …

Remember that a fight between two peers or groups of peers cannot be regarded as a form of bullying per definition, as this does not meet necessarily the criterion of power imbalance between victims and perpetrators. Moreover, it is important to stress that hitting or threatening a peer with a knife, seriously hurting somebody or committing sexual harassment or abuse are not forms of bullying: these criminal conducts have to be regarded as real crimes.