Bullying and Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.

Physical bullying is the use of physical force by the perpetrator against the targeted youth.

Verbal bullying is oral or written communication by the perpetrator against the targeted youth that causes harm.

Create a safer school environment by preventing bullying and cyberbullying.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

Bullying is a widespread issue in the United States. While bullying can happen to anyone, some groups may be at greater risk. Bullying negatively affects those who are bullied, those who bully others, bystanders, and others in the school community. It is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental and physical health, substance use, educational experience, violence, and suicide.

Reducing bullying in schools requires a multi-faceted and community-based approach that includes immediate response and appropriate consequences and support for serious incidents. As part of these efforts, schools can consider assessing the frequency, locations, and types of bullying behavior to better understand the current landscape and determine appropriate prevention and intervention plans. School-based programs that focus on building youth skills and positive environments can also be effective in decreasing incidences of bullying and associated risk factors.

Strategies to Consider

There are several strategies schools and districts can consider to prevent and address bullying. Some of these measures include:

• Create a positive school climate that is safe, inclusive, and respectful of all community members.
• Implement social and emotional learning to help students build skills, manage emotions, and establish positive relationships.
• Set and enforce policies that outline behavioral expectations and monitor places where bullying is more likely to occur.
• Conduct teacher and staff training and promote classroom-based bullying prevention activities.
• Engage families and students to promote communication and reinforce prevention strategies.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning more about bullying and cyberbullying. Use these resources to help identify, address, and prevent bullying.

Additionally, SchoolSafety.gov regularly publishes issue briefs that provide a high-level overview of a specific school safety topic as well as a sampling of aligned strategies, resources, programs, and tools. Download and explore the bullying-related issue brief below.

Key Considerations for Bullying Prevention

Department of Justice, 2023

This guide presents key information that schools can consider as they develop and maintain bullying prevention programs. It provides an overview of bullying, bullying prevention, context-specific considerations, information on youth engagement and empowerment, and resources related to the intersection of social media and bullying.

StopBullying.gov

Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Justice

This interagency website provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how schools and individuals can prevent and respond to bullying.

Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment in Our Nation’s Classrooms

Department of Education, 2018

This training for teachers, school administrators and school districts is made up of two modules to address bullying in classrooms. Specifically, it is designed to assist teachers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate in the classroom.

Tips for Teachers on Cyberbullying

Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Justice

This webpage provides information for teachers, school personnel, and staff to identify warning signs a child is being cyberbullied or is cyberbullying, as well as strategies to prevent and address it.