Bullying is a pattern of intentional, repeated behavior in which one person or group harms, intimidates, or exerts power over another who is perceived as less able to defend themselves. It is defined by three core features: intent to harm, a power imbalance between the parties, and repetition over time. Bullying can occur in many settings — schools, workplaces, online platforms, neighbourhoods and families — and affects people of all ages. Responses vary by culture and legal context, and many jurisdictions now address bullying through policies, codes of conduct and sometimes law.

Common forms and characteristics

Bullying takes several distinct forms. They can overlap, and a single incident may include multiple elements.

  • Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, damaging property or otherwise using physical force.
  • Verbal bullying: name-calling, insults, threats and repeated teasing intended to demean.
  • Social or relational bullying: exclusion, spreading rumours, manipulating friendships to isolate a target.
  • Cyberbullying: abusive messages, humiliating posts, or sharing private information online; it can be persistent because digital content spreads quickly and can be hard to remove.

Roles and group dynamics

Bullying involves more than only the bully and the target. Bystanders — witnesses who do nothing — can inadvertently reinforce the bully’s power, while allies or upstanders who intervene can reduce harm. Some individuals occupy a mixed role: a "bully-victim" is someone who both bullies others and is bullied themselves. Social context, peer norms, and adult supervision influence whether bullying escalates or is stopped.

Understanding these roles helps shape response strategies. Training for teachers and staff and clear school or workplace policies can empower adults and peers to act; many institutions provide guidance and resources for intervention and support for educators and leaders.

Effects and importance

Bullying can cause immediate distress and longer-term harm. Targets commonly experience anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, sleep problems, and drops in academic or job performance. Persistent bullying may contribute to social withdrawal, substance use, and other health difficulties. Bullies themselves are at higher risk of future antisocial behaviour and may later experience relationship and legal problems. Because effects can be widespread, preventing bullying is a public-health and educational priority.

Effective prevention combines clear rules, taught social skills, supportive relationships, and consistent consequences. Strategies include whole-school or workplace programmes that teach empathy and conflict resolution, structured supervision in settings where bullying is likely, and accessible reporting systems. Encouraging bystander intervention — showing people how to safely support targets or alert adults — is also effective.

Where behaviour crosses legal lines or becomes criminal (for example, harassment, threats, or hate-motivated acts), authorities may become involved. Many countries and regions have enacted specific policies or laws to address bullying and cyberbullying; details and remedies vary by jurisdiction and are subject to ongoing development about legal frameworks.

Distinguishing bullying from conflict

Not all hurtful interactions are bullying. Normal conflict between equals, one-time arguments, or playful teasing that both parties accept differ from bullying’s repeated, power-based harm. Responses should match the situation: mediation and problem-solving for peer conflict, and stronger protective measures when bullying is present.

Recognising patterns early, supporting targets, guiding bystanders to act, and holding perpetrators accountable can reduce harm and create safer environments for everyone.