Bullying is more than teasing; it has many definitions. It’s intentional behavior that hurts someone physically or emotionally. It often involves an imbalance of power, such as one person or group using their size, popularity, or social influence to control or harm another. Most youth describe it simply as “when someone makes you feel less about who you are as a person.” Sometimes bullying hides behind nicknames or jokes that single someone out. What may seem harmless can profoundly affect a person’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.

When I was a kid, classmates used a rhyme with my name to mock me. At the time, I didn’t realize how much those words hurt. Combined with other personal struggles, they planted doubts that stayed with me for years. Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Bullying might lead children to avoid school, struggle to concentrate, or withdraw from friends. I had most of those; I was good at hiding them, mainly because I didn’t want to create another problem in my family.  I remember later during my school years, I witnessed bullying and felt helpless/afraid, and I didn’t know how to behave. These effects don’t disappear easily; they can shape how young people see themselves well into adulthood. For me, it wasn’t until much later in life that I found the tools and gained the courage to speak about this, which allowed me to shed the weight of those words, and I started thriving instead of just surviving. 

Bullying can take many forms: physical, verbal, social, or online. Adults can help by watching for signs like:

• Avoiding school or friends

• Unexplained sadness or anxiety

• Drops in grades or interest

• Emotional distress after using devices or social media

If a child shares that someone is “being mean,” take it seriously. What seems small might be their way of describing something bigger.

Bullying prevention starts with everyday actions, modeling kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Adults can teach children to stand up for themselves and others, to report hurtful behavior, and to use positive, respectful language.

If you see someone being bullied, small actions make a big difference. Sit with them, speak up, or tell an adult. Simple gestures remind others they’re not alone.

Prevention is a Community Effort, preventing bullying is everyone’s responsibility: parents, teachers, neighbors, and friends. Together, we can create a culture where every child feels seen, valued, and safe. Kindness, acceptance, and inclusion are the strongest tools we have to build a supportive community. If you want to learn more about how to strengthen our community, join us at the Prevention Coalition.  Contact Andrea Orest at [email protected] or Rocio Rivas, at [email protected] to learn more.

Resources

Bullying – PACER Center

Operation Parent – Empowering Parents with Evidence-Based Resources

My Child is Being Bullied | Bullying Resources for Parents

stopbullying.gov