“According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) anti-bullying website, (Stopbullying.gov), bullying is defined as “intentionally aggressive, usually repeated” verbal, social, or physical behavior aimed at a specific person or group of people” (Bullying Statistics 2014). These next several steps for identifying bullies are further explained from Forbes online webpage over the article, 12 Signs You Might Be A Bully.
- Does this person do things for others just because they can, or do they have others do all of their work for them just because they can (2014)?
- Do they look you in the eye, or do they avert their gaze regularly to something else when you speak to them (2014)?
- Would you go to them for help or would you rather find someone else? Are they humble and accept consequences, or do they blame others for their problems (2014)?
- Do they deal with situations in a positive way or do they complain obsessively (2014)?
- Do they actively ignore people or do they listen anyway (2014)?
- Are others afraid to share their opinions to them, or do they feel open to say what they believe (2014)?
“Bullying prevention is a growing research field that has made great strides in answering important questions. We now know much more about how complex bullying is, and how it affects youth at the time they experience it and even as adults” (Facts. U.S. Department). “The majority of bullying still takes place at school; 1 in 3 U.S. students say they have been bullied at school, according to the DHHS” ( Bullying Statistics 2014).
“Many warning signs indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying” (U.S. Department. Warning).
