Bullying is a pattern of repeated physical, verbal, psychological or social aggression that is directed towards a person by someone more powerful and is intended to cause harm, distress and/or fear.
Bullying might involve repeatedly:
- hurting someone physically
- leaving someone out
- abusing someone verbally or in writing
- insulting, belittling or intimidating someone
- using offensive language
- spreading nasty rumours or cruel teasing
- displaying offensive material
- threatening to commit violence
- committing harmful or offensive initiation practices
- behaving hostilely regarding someone’s gender or sexuality
- teasing or making someone the brunt of pranks or practical jokes
- encouraging others to participate in bullying behaviour
- interfering with someone’s materials, equipment or personal property.
Bullying may be perpetrated by a student towards a University staff member or vice versa. It can also occur between staff members or between students.
A person can be bullied about their:
- look
- home or family
- schoolwork
- popularity
- achievements
- race or culture
- gender
- physical and mental state
- sexuality
Bullying is not:
- single incidents
- providing constructive criticism
- mutual conflict
- social rejection or dislike
- differences of opinion
- interpersonal conflicts