Text CONNECT to 741741 if you need free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support. Bullying is no joke. And, if you’re dealing with it, you deserve help. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Understanding  Bullying #

Bullying can happen anywhere, to anyone—at schools, within your communities, instant messaging, on social media, at work or at home. It’s not just playground name-calling or rumor-spreading; bullying can take many forms, both obvious and subtle.

Many people have unfortunately experienced bullying. It’s a serious problem that can harm a person’s self-confidence and can significantly impact one’s ability to feel safe, do their best work, and take care of themselves. 

By definition, bullying involves repeated hurtful actions intended to demonstrate power imbalance. It can look like physical attacks, verbal taunts, or even cyberbullying. Over time, these behaviors can erode self-esteem and mental well-being. Studies show that persistent bullying is associated with symptoms of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Young people often deal with the emotional effects long after it has stopped.

Signs of Bullying #

Bullying isn’t always obvious. Here are some signs to look for:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Faking illness or claiming to feel sick
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Avoiding friends or social situations
• Refusing to go to school or work
• Decreased self-esteem
• Self-harm or risky behaviors
• Losing possessions
• Dropping grades

If someone is bullying others, they may show the following signs:

• Worrying about their reputation or popularity
• Acting aggressively or getting into fights
• Trouble at school or work
• Having friends who also bully
  

Bullying Resources #

If you’re being bullied, it may feel overwhelming, but help is always available:

• Talk to us anytime. Text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor who will listen without judgment and help you find ways to cope. 
• Tell a trusted adult. If you’re being bullied at school, a teacher, counselor or school administrator can provide support. 
• Experiencing workplace bullying? Reach out to your manager or contact Human Resources. 
• Build new connections. Spend time with people who uplift you, join a club, or try a new activity.
• Take a break. If you’re bullying someone, take some time to reflect on why you’re doing so and seek help to change.
  

Common Types of Bullying #

• Physical Bullying: Hurting or trying to hurt someone’s body such as—kicking, hitting, or pushing.
• Verbal Bullying: Saying things to hurt a person’s feelings. This can include teasing, threats and name-calling. This is often a symptom of deeper emotional abuse.
• Social Bullying: Destroying someone’s reputation or relationships, like spreading rumors or exclusion.

Other types of bullying include:

Cyberbullying #

Cyberbullying is a growing concern, especially among high school students who frequently use social networking sites and text messaging. According to DoSomething.org, over 40% of young people experience cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is any act of verbal or social bullying that occurs through technology. This includes hurtful texts in a group chat message, unkind social media posts or comments, or chatroom harassment.

Racial Bullying #

Racial bullying is a manifestation of racism and xenophobia, and it includes any bullying related to one’s race, culture or ethnicity through harmful words or actions. This could include racist names, threats, racist graffiti or personal attacks on one’s identity. While racial bullying can affect anyone, it particularly impacts individuals from outside of the United States and of non-white backgrounds.

LGBTQ+ Bullying #

LGBTQ+ bullying is a manifestation of homophobia and it includes any bullying related to one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation; and it can have profound negative effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being. It is important for teachers, parents, allies and LGBTQ+ community members to understand the impact of this. We must work together to create a safe and supportive environment. To support those in need, it’s important to promote open dialogue, allyship and offer resources for assistance. Let’s work together to ensure every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Workplace Bullying #

Workplace bullying can significantly impact an employee’s well-being and productivity. This includes verbal abuse, offensive behavior and interference at work, like sabotage or creating a toxic work environment. All these factors prevent people from getting work done and can lead to increased stress, anxiety and even physical health problems for those affected. It is crucial for employees, HR professionals and managers to recognize the signs and take proactive steps to address it.

Creating a safe and respectful work environment is a shared responsibility, and addressing workplace bullying is a critical step to achieving that goal.

No matter the type, support is here for you. Text CONNECT to 741741 for immediate assistance.

Effects of Bullying #

Bullying affects everyone—not just the person being bullied. It can cause anxiety and depression, making it difficult for victims to eat, sleep and maintain a normal social life. Bullies often need help, too, as their behavior may stem from personal struggles and challenges. 

We can break the cycle together by creating safe spaces, providing resources, and addressing bullying early.

Bullying and Mental Health #

Bullying and Suicide #

There is a relationship between bullying and suicide. But, like anything, it’s complicated. People who experience bullying may experience anxiety and depression, increasing their risk of feeling suicidal. While bullying is not the sole cause of suicide, it can be a significant factor, particularly when combined with other underlying mental health challenges. It is crucial to address bullying early and provide support to those affected to prevent these tragic outcomes.

Bullying and Self-Harm #

Bullying and self-harm are interlinked issues, which often coexist in the lives of those affected. Victims may experience profound emotional pain or isolation, leading some individuals to cope with their feelings through self-harm as an attempt to regain a sense of control or to express their internal struggles.

How You Can Help as a Bystander #

You—the bystander—can help stop bullying in your community. Help victims find safety, tell bullies their behavior is hurtful and unacceptable and refer your community to helpful resources. This is especially important for pre-teens who may be unsure how to navigate this delicate situation. (Pro-tip: you can always tell someone to text CONNECT to 741741 when you think they might need help.)

Spread the Word -Provide 741741 to a Friend #

You never know who might need Crisis Text Line. Pass it on and tell the people in your life to text CONNECT to 741741 if they ever need support.