Bullying VS Conflict
What is the difference?
Bulllying ...
There is an imbalance of power. One person has unfair power over another. (Example: a 5th grader exercising their power over a 3rd grader)
One student's or a group of students' interests and needs are treated with more importance.
A student is being physically or emotionally hurt on purpose.
The offender needs to change their behavior in order to fix the problem. The problem is one-sided. The target has no changes to make and is not at fault.
Laughter is at the expense of the target's feelings. The "joke" is meant to be hurtful.
Makes the target feel small, different, unimportant or not special.
Not part of a usually friendly relationship.
Continues even though the target says "Stop", appears upset or distressed.
Causes fear (Example: afraid to come to school, ride the bus, go to recess, etc.)