Bullying vs. Teasing LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. "Bullying" does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is bullying? "Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending him/herself.“ (Olweus program) LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is bullying? aggressive unwanted behavior intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate power imbalance repeated over time causes severe emotional trauma. includes cyber bullying. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is cyber bullying? Using cellphones, text messages, social media or other electronics to bully others Using any electronic means to harm someone else. Intimidation through a virtual setting. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is teasing? What does this mean? "Bullying" does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is teasing? Teasing is defined as: make fun of or attempt to provoke a playful way. Another word for teasing is JOKING. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is the difference between teasing and bullying? Bullying Hurts or humiliates Angry or sarcastic tone Intimidating Upsets someone Includes “showing off” actions teasing hurtful teasing bullying Teasing or Joking Playful for ALL people Friendly tone Encourages friendships Doesn’t lead to physical confrontations LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is the difference between teasing and bullying? Hurtful teasing No longer playful One person begins to be offended Asked to stop but don’t Teasing or Joking Playful for ALL people Friendly tone Encourages friendships Doesn’t lead to physical confrontations teasing hurtful teasing bullying Bullying Hurts or humiliates Angry or sarcastic tone Intimidating Upsets someone Includes “showing off” actions LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

Bullying or Teasing? For years, Kevin has made fun of his best friend, Dave’s, peanut butter obsession. “You’d eat my gym sock if it was covered in peanut butter,” he told Dave. One day in science lab, the students designed mazes to test the intelligence of white mice. When the teacher told the class that they would be baiting the mazes with peanut butter, Kevin called out, “Better be careful—Dave might get to the end of the maze before the mice!” Dave and the students broke out in laughter. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

Bullying or Teasing? On Monday afternoon, Rob used his recess time to hang campaign posters around the school, which read, “Vote for Rob for Student Council President.” On Tuesday morning in homeroom, Rob found one of his posters taped to the blackboard in the front of the classroom. Someone had crossed out the word, “President,” and replaced it with “First Lady.” One of Rob’s classmates pointed to a girl in the first row, indicating that Maria had altered the poster. Rob glared at her as he tore down the poster. “It’s just a joke,” Maria laughed. “Lighten up.” LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

References: Cochran, K. (n.d.). I Am PONO!! Respecting Each Other Each Day. Dess, J., White, T., Jaffe, E., Jaffe, J. (2011). Understanding Playful vs. Hurtful Teasing and Bullying Behavior. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW