Running Head: BULLYING: WHAT IS IT?
Bullying: What Is It?
Unit #9
Lisa Dowd
CM103-05: Effective Writing I for Criminal Justice Majors
Lisa Malooly
June 23, 2010
Bullying among children is common. Whether on the school bus, in the classroom, or on the playground, many people can probably remember a time when they were bullied. It may have been physical acts such as hitting or kicking or verbal actions such as teasing or taunting. It may even have taken the form of indirect actions such as social isolation or the manipulation of a friendship. Whatever its form, the effects of bullying can be devastating to a juvenile. When bullying is recognized, likewise its consequences, bullying can be prevented.
How can bullying be recognized? According to Field, E. M. (2007) “There are four main types of bullying: teasing, exclusion, physical bullying and harassment.” Teasing can be considered as verbal violence; it can be the most dangerous and long term form of bullying. Most forms of teasing are related to one’s appearance, social status, and even sexuality. It can be name calling, insulting, nasty notes, and may also include electronic forms such as email or internet web site. Whatever the method it is the intent of the bully to harm it’s victim.
Exclusion is bullying based on social manipulation, it is expressed openly - ‘you don’t belong here’- as well as indirect, subtle, and non verbal body language by the bully and others. The bully may pretend to be friendly then turn against him. Or a group will start pointing, staring, laughing, or whisper while others are looking at the intended victim. In this way the bully is using the social structure to attack its victim. The goal of exclusion is to create a group identity that if established can become a powerful control mechanism.
Physical bullying is just as it is named, physical; relating to the body or to material things. The bully uses physical acts against its victim. It can be anything from directly...
