Psychology TopicsBullying
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions.
The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.
The White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, March 10, 2011
APA Resolution on Bullying Among Children and Youth (PDF, 40KB)
What You Can Do
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Beware of cyberbullying
Learn what cyberbullying is, its impact and what you can do if the victim is you or your child.
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Stop office bullying
Kids aren't the only bullies. Bullying also occurs in the workplace. Learn more about the strategies employers are using to put a stop to this destructive practice.
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Bullying: What Parents, Teachers Can Do to Stop It
Questions for bullying expert Susan Swearer, PhD
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How parents, teachers and kids can take action to prevent bullying
APA recommends that teachers, parents and students can take certain actions to address bullying.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
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School Bullying is Nothing New, But Psychologists Identify New Ways to Prevent It
Systematic international research has shown school bullying to be a frequent and serious public health problem. But psychologists are using this research to develop bullying prevention programs that are being implemented in schools around the world.
News
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Earlier bullying tied to quality of life in college
December 24, 2014, Fox News
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High school cancels football season over bullying
October 7, 2014, ABC News
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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Anti-bullying efforts ramp up
February 2012
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Bullying may contribute to lower test scores
October 2011
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Stay safe in practice
April 2008
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Bullying stems from fear, apathy
July 2006
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Worrying for a living?
July 2006
Books
APA Offices and Programs
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Bullying: A Module for Teachers
It is estimated that 40-80 percent of school-age children experience bullying at some point during their school careers and 10-15 percent may be either chronic victims or bullies themselves. In light of such statistics and growing public concern, this module will help teachers gain a better understanding of bullying and what they can do to both prevent it and intervene when it occurs.
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Violence Prevention
This area of Public Interest is responsible for disseminating research-based knowledge and information on violence and injury prevention.
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Bullying & Safe Schools for LGBT Students
Provides information on all of APA’s resources on bullying including APA’s resolution on bullying prevention, recommendations for parents, teachers, and students, and an online training module for teachers.