Bullying

Bullying refers to a deliberately enacted negative event performed by an individual or group that [Page 221]threatens the physical, emotional, psychological, and/or social safety of another individual or group. Key to the definition of bullying is that one party involved has significantly more power than the other party (e.g., greater physical strength or social status). Instances of bullying can also include one party exercising power over another, even though he or she may not otherwise be perceived as having more power. The person with more power (perceived or real) who initiates and perpetuates the negative event is often referred to as the “perpetrator,” whereas the less empowered individual who is the target of the negative event is often referred to as the “victim.” Individuals who ...