essay definition of bullying

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• About Youth Violence
• Risk and Protective Factors
• School-Associated Violent Death Study
• Youth Violence Prevention Centers

About Bullying

• Bullying is a form of youth violence and an adverse childhood experience (ACE).
• Bullying is widespread in the U.S., but bullying is preventable.

What is bullying?

CDC defines bullying as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm. 1 Common types of bullying include:

• Physical such as hitting, kicking, and tripping.
• Verbal including name-calling and teasing.
• Relational or social such as spreading rumors and leaving out of the group.
• Damage to victim's property.

Bullying can also occur through technology, which is called electronic bullying or cyberbullying. 1 A young person can be a perpetrator, a victim, or both (also known as "bully/victim").

For more information about bullying definitions, please see Bullying Surveillance Among Youths: Uniform Definitions for Public Health and Recommended Data Elements, Version 1 .

Quick facts and stats

Bullying is widespread in the United States. Bullying negatively impacts all youth involved including those who are bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying, known as bystanders.

• Bullying is common . About 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property. More than 1 in 6 high school students reported being bullied electronically in the last year. 2
• Some youth experience bullying more than others . Nearly 40% of high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and about 33% of those who were not sure of their sexual identity experienced bullying at school or electronically in the last year, compared to 22% of heterosexual high school students. About 30% of female high school students experienced bullying at school or electronically in the last year, compared to about 19% of males. Nearly 29% of white high school students experienced bullying at school or electronically in the last year compared to about 19% of Hispanic and 18% of Black high school students. 2
• Reports of bullying are highest in middle schools (28%) followed by high schools (16%), combined schools (12%), and primary schools (9%).
• Reports of cyberbullying are highest in middle schools (33%) followed by high schools (30%), combined schools (20%), and primary schools (5%). 3

Bullying can result in physical injury, social and emotional distress, self-harm, and even death. It also increases the risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. Youth who bully others are at increased risk for substance misuse, academic problems, and experiencing violence later in adolescence and adulthood. 4 Youth who bully others and are bullied themselves suffer the most serious consequences and are at greater risk for mental health and behavioral problems.

Bullying is preventable. There are many factors that may increase or decrease the risk for perpetrating or experiencing bullying. To prevent bullying, we must understand and address the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence . CDC developed, Youth Violence Prevention Resource for Action , to help communities take advantage of the best available evidence to prevent youth violence. 5 This resource is also available in Spanish and can be used as a tool in efforts to impact individual behaviors as well as the relationship, family, school, community, and societal risk and protective factors for violence. The approaches in this resource, particularly universal school-based programs that strengthen youths' skills and modify the physical and social environment, have been shown to reduce violence and bullying or key risk factors.

Different types of violence are connected and often share root causes. Bullying is linked to other forms of violence through shared risk and protective factors. Addressing and preventing one form of violence may have an impact on preventing other forms of violence.

• Gladden RM, Vivolo-Kantor AM, Hamburger ME, Lumpkin CD. Bullying surveillance among youths: Uniform definitions for public health and recommended data elements, Version 1.0. Atlanta, GA; National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Education; 2013. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-definitionsfinal-a.pdf.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth risk behavior surveillance—United States, 2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report–Surveillance Summaries 2020; 69(SS1). Available from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/2019/su6901-H.pdf
• Diliberti, M., Jackson, M., Correa, S., and Padgett, Z. (2019). Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools: Findings From the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2017–18 (NCES 2019-061). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch
• Farrington D, Baldry A. Individual risk factors for school bullying. Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research 2010; 2(1):4-16. Available from https://doi.org/10.5042/jacpr.2010.0001 .
• David-Ferdon, C., Vivolo-Kantor, A. M., Dahlberg, L. L., Marshall, K. J., Rainford, N. & Hall, J. E. (2016). Youth Violence Prevention Resource for Action: A Compilation of the Best Available Evidence. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Note: The title of this document was changed in July 2023 to align with other Prevention Resources being developed by CDC's Injury Center. The document was previously cited as "A Comprehensive Technical Package for the Prevention of Youth Violence and Associated Risk Behaviors."

Youth Violence Prevention

Youth violence affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities. CDC works to understand the problem of violence experienced by youth and prevent it.

For Everyone

Public health.

Defining school bullying and its implications on education, teachers and learners

Contributing to UNESCO’s work on fostering safe learning environments , which addresses many different forms of violence, the UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying, in collaboration with the World Anti-Bullying Forum (WABF), led an international working group to create a more holistic and inclusive definition of school bullying. Professor James O’Higgins Norman, UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying, shares his insights on this work.

Why revisit the definition of bullying?

Many current anti-bullying programmes in schools are rooted in early definitions characterizing bullying as an “unwanted aggressive behavior that is repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power or strength”. While this was groundbreaking at the time and advanced the work of researchers, policy makers, educators and others, evolving perspectives have deepened our understanding of bullying.

Research shows that progress in reducing school bullying has been slow, with only a 19% decrease in perpetration and a 15% drop in the rate of learners facing bullying. This means we must reassess our understanding and approaches to bullying, especially in our increasingly complex world, where both in-person and online bullying intertwine with personal and societal issues.

How are you revisiting the definition of bullying?

As a UNESCO Chair, my role involves facilitating interdisciplinary research and dialogue, and working towards a more holistic approach to bullying. Our recommendation for a ‘whole-education’ approach to tackle bullying recognizes individual, contextual, and societal dimensions.

With support from UNESCO and the WABF, I facilitated the working group to revisit the definition of bullying, consulting scholars, policymakers and practitioners worldwide. We gathered feedback from a diverse group and have conducted wide consultations. This working group was launched following the recommendations by a Scientific Committee on preventing and addressing school bullying and cyberbullying, convened by UNESCO and the French Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

What would a revised definition mean for education policymakers and practitioners, for school communities and learners?

The proposed definition promotes a holistic and inclusion-driven approach to tackling bullying and violence in schools and in online spaces. 

Crafting a more inclusive definition has the potential to break down academic and professional barriers, encouraging cooperation between sectors, and among scholars, policymakers, educators, and learners. It provides a solid foundation to better understand bullying particularly regarding those most marginalized due to appearance, ethnicity, gender, social class, or sexuality, among others. Bullying is a complex issue tied to individual, contextual, and structural factors, making collaboration essential.

Together, we can deepen our understanding and address not only the behavior but also the underlying systems and ideologies supporting bullying.

What is your vision for this improved definition of school bullying?

My vision aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, on education, in that our work on bullying, and all other forms of school violence, is aimed at ensuring an inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

What message do you have for teachers and learners?

To teachers and school staff: Do not accept bullying as normal. Create a safe classroom environment by setting clear expectations for kindness and respect, remain vigilant for signs of bullying, stay informed about effective prevention strategies, and promptly address any incidents. Implement a robust anti-bullying policy. Under the idea of a ‘whole-education’ approach, collaborate with colleagues and parents, incorporate empathy and anti-bullying content into the curriculum, and use collaborative learning methods.

To learners: Report bullying, be confident in recognizing and responding to it, and encourage bystander intervention. You have the power to stop bullying.

New definition and what’s next?

The working group presented its proposed revised definition of school bullying at the WABF held in October 2023. The proposed definition reads:

School bullying is a damaging social process that is characterized by an imbalance of power driven by social (societal) and institutional norms. It is often repeated and manifests as unwanted interpersonal behaviour among students or school personnel that causes physical, social, and emotional harm to the targeted individuals or groups, and the wider school community.

This new inclusive definition of school bullying was largely welcomed by delegates at the Forum. The UNESCO Chair and WABF hope that this revised definition will contribute to opening a new chapter in the global conversation on the nature of and responses to bullying and cyberbullying. 

For UNESCO, the new definition of bullying reflects our approach and work to ensure that schools are safe and supportive learning environments. This means that to end all forms of school violence, including bullying, we must understand that these behaviours do not happen in isolation, that there are different drivers of violence, and that a ‘whole-education’ approach is needed. 

More information

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• International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying
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Facts About Bullying

This section pulls together fundamental information about bullying, including:

Research on Bullying

Bullying statistics, bullying and suicide, anti-bullying laws, definition of bullying.

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education released the first federal  definition of bullying . The definition includes three core elements:

• unwanted aggressive behavior
• observed or perceived power imbalance
• repetition or high likelihood of repetition of bullying behaviors

This definition helps determine whether an incident is bullying or  another type of aggressive behavior  or both.

Bullying prevention is a growing research field that investigates the complexities and consequences of bullying. Important areas for more research include:

• Prevalence of bullying in schools
• Prevalence of cyberbullying in online spaces
• How bullying affects people
• Risk factors for people who are bullied, people who bully others, or both
• How to prevent bullying
• How media and media coverage affects bullying

What We’ve Learned about Bullying

• Bullying affects all youth, including those who are bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying. The  effects of bullying  may continue into adulthood.
• There is not a single profile of a young person involved in bullying. Youth who bully can be either well connected socially or marginalized, and may be bullied by others as well. Similarly, those who are bullied sometimes bully others.
• Solutions to bullying are not simple.  Bullying prevention  approaches that show the most promise confront the problem from many angles. They involve the entire school community—students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff such as bus drivers, nurses, cafeteria and front office staff—in creating a culture of respect. Zero tolerance and expulsion are not effective approaches.
• Bystanders, or those who see bullying, can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied.
• Studies also have shown that adults can help prevent bullying by talking to children about bullying, encouraging them to do what they love, modeling kindness and respect, and seeking help.

Here are federal statistics about bullying in the United States. Data sources include the school year 2021–22 School Crime Supplement  (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics) and the  2023  Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

How Common Is Bullying

• About 15.4% of students reported being bullied by a student who was more powerful than them in some way, 14.5% reported being bullied repeatedly, and 12.7% reported being bullied repeatedly by a student who was more powerful than them in some way.
• The prevalence of bullying is higher in middle school (26.3%) than in high school (15.7%).
• The prevalence of bullying is higher among female students (21.8%) than among male students (16.7%).
• Had the ability to influence what other students think of them (56.3%).
• Were more popular (52%).
• Were physically stronger or larger (39.7%).
• Had more money (35.2%).
• One day (32.5%)
• Two days (17.6%)
• Three to ten days (31.5%)
• More than ten days (18.5%)

Bullying in Schools

• An estimated 19% of high school students were bullied on school property in the 12 months prior to the survey.
• Classroom (39%)
• Hallway or stairwell (37.5%)
• Cafeteria (25.1%)
• Outside on school grounds (24.4%)
• Online or by text (21.6%)
• Bathroom or locker room (11.9%)
• In a gymnasium or weight room (10.8%)
• School bus (9.8%)
• Approximately 44.2% of students ages 12-18 in grades 6-12 who were bullied during the school year notified an adult at school about the bullying.

Cyberbullying

• Among those who were bullied, nearly twice as many female students reported being bullied online or by text (27.7%) as compared with male students (14.1%).
• Nearly twice as many female students reported being electronically bullied (21%) as compared with male students (12%).

Types of Bullying

• Students ages 12-18 in grades 6-12 experienced various types of bullying, including:
• Having rumors spread about them (13%)
• Being made fun of, called names, or insulted (11.9%)
• Pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on (4.9%)
• Being excluded from activities, social media, or communications (3.7%)
• Threatened with harm (3.3%)
• Having private information, photos, or videos purposely shared in a hurtful way (2.5%)
• Others tried to make them do things they did not want to do (2.5%)
• Property was destroyed on purpose (1.4%)

State and Local Statistics

Follow these links for state and local figures on the following topics:

• Bullied on School Property, Grades 9-12
• Cyberbullied, Grades 9-12

International Statistics

According to the  UNESCO Institute of Statistics :

• One third of the globe’s youth is bullied; this ranges from as low as 7% in Tajikistan to 74% in Samoa.
• Low socioeconomic status is a main factor in youth bullying within wealthy countries.
• Immigrant-born youth in wealthy countries are more likely to be bullied than locally-born youth.

The relationship between bullying and suicide is complex.  The media should avoid oversimplifying these issues  and insinuating or directly stating that bullying can cause suicide. The facts tell a different story. It is not accurate and potentially dangerous to present bullying as the “cause” or “reason” for a suicide, or to suggest that suicide is a natural response to bullying.

• Research indicates that persistent bullying can lead to or worsen feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair, as well as depression and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal behavior.
• The vast majority of young people who are bullied do not become suicidal.
• Most young people who die by suicide have multiple risk factors.
• For more information on the relationship between bullying and suicide, read “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We Know and What it Means for Schools ” from the CDC.

All states have  anti-bullying legislation . When bullying is also harassment and happens in the school context, schools have a legal obligation to respond to it according to  federal laws .

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Bullying — An Informative Bullying, Its Causes, Effects And Ways To Tackle

An Informative Bullying, Its Causes, Effects and Ways to Tackle

• Categories: Bullying Physical Abuse Victim

About this sample

Words: 2893 |

15 min read

Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 2893 | Pages: 6 | 15 min read

Table of contents

Informative speech outline on bullying, informative speech example on bullying, introduction.

• Definition of bullying
• Overview of the essay's focus on bullying, its causes, and effects

Effects of Bullying on Victims

• Psychological impact on victims
• Increased risk of mental health problems
• Correlation with smoking and alcoholism

Characteristics of Bullies

• Description of typical bully traits
• Correlation between bullying and misconduct
• Influence of bullying on self-destructive behaviors

Peer Dynamics and School Adjustment

• Impact of bullying on school attachment and peer relationships
• Correlation between victimization and academic competence
• School avoidance as a consequence of victimization

Long-Term Effects of Bullying

• How bullying can extend into adolescence and adulthood
• Relationship between bullying and mental health issues
• The impact of bullying on academic performance

Prevention and Intervention

• The need for schools to prioritize bullying prevention
• Developing a support network within school systems
• Empowering bystanders to speak up against bullying

Workplace Bullying

• The prevalence of workplace bullying
• Impact of workplace bullying on employees and businesses
• Strategies for addressing workplace bullying

Cyberbullying

• Definition of cyberbullying and its venues
• The role of anonymity in cyberbullying
• Responsibility of parents in preventing cyberbullying

Bullying in Health Care

• Prevalence of bullying in medical and healthcare professions
• Impact of bullying on patient care and safety
• The need for respect and collaboration in healthcare settings
• Summary of the pervasive effects of bullying
• Call for a society that promotes safety and discourages bullying

Works Cited

• Dake, J. A., Price, J. H., & Telljohann, S. K. (2003). The nature and extent of bullying at school. Journal of School Health, 73(5), 173-180.
• Dorn, L. D. (2005). Adolescent bullying and sleep disturbance. Journal of the American Medical Association, 293(24), 2993-2995.
• Hermann, P. (2007). Life after bullying. Interview with Dan Wilhelm. Childhood Education, 84(3), 173-175.
• Shah, S. (2011). Effects of bullying may add up in kids' grades. The Wall Street Journal.
• Ttofi, M. M., & Farrington, D. P. (2011). Effectiveness of school-based programs to reduce bullying: A systematic and meta-analytic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7(1), 27-56.
• Twemlow, S. W., Fonagy, P., & Sacco, F. C. (2005). A developmental approach to mentalizing communities: II. The peace builders program. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 69(4), 282-304.
• UNESCO. (2017). Behind the numbers: Ending school violence and bullying.
• Vaillancourt, T., McDougall, P., Hymel, S., Krygsman, A., Miller, J., Stiver, K., & Davis, C. (2008). Bullying: Are researchers and children/youth talking about the same thing? International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32(6), 486-495.
• Wolke, D., Woods, S., Stanford, K., & Schulz, H. (2001). Bullying and victimization of primary school children in England and Germany: Prevalence and school factors. British Journal of Psychology, 92(4), 673-696.
• Wong, D. S. (2015). Students' perceptions of the effectiveness of anti-bullying strategies in Hong Kong schools. Educational Studies, 41(2-3), 161-180.

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