Definitions of Bullying

1. “If we put together what we learn from looking at children’s drawings and talking to children about bullying, we can arrive at a reasonable definition or description of malign bullying. It has these components: There is an initial desire to hurt; that desire is expressed in action; someone is hurt; the action is directed by a more powerful person or group; it is without justification; it is typically repeated; and is done so with evident enjoyment.”                                                                                      “ …bullying is repeated oppression, psychological or physical, of a less powerful person by a more powerful person or group of persons.” – Ken Rigby, Bullying in Schools and What to Do About It

2.  “Bullying is an outward sign of an inward spiritual crisis in which the bully seeks relation with others through repeated acts of violence. These acts of violence may be physical or emotional.”                 – Ronald Cram, Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA

3. “Bullying in its truest form is comprised of a series of repeated intentionally cruel incidents, involving the same children, in the same bully and victim roles. This, however, does not mean that in order for bullying to occur there must be repeat offenses. Bullying can consist of a single interaction.” – article, Bullying Hurts and Keeps on Hurting, www.bullybeware.com

4. “Bullying is a type of behavior that intends to harm or disturb someone, occurs repeatedly over time, and involves an imbalance of power. Such behaviors may be physical, such as hitting or stealing; verbal, such as teasing or name calling; or psychological, such as socially isolating students. The key component is intimidation, with the more powerful person or group targeting the less powerful one.” – Nicole Danforth, MD Bullying: What It Is And Why Kids Do It