Peers play very important roles in the social and emotional development of students. Relationships with peers provide a special context in which students learn many skills, such as cooperation and empathy. Peer influence starts early and grows stronger as students get older. As students begin developing independence from their parents and start understanding who they are, peers become a significant source of social and emotional support and pivotal in building a sense of belonging. It is natural, healthy, and important for students to have and rely on friends as they grow up. However, just as good relationships with peers are crucial for their development and well-being, peer conflicts and negative relationships can cause a lot of distress.
When does typical teasing become bullying?
Painful or embarrassing social experiences are a part of growing up, and almost everyone has been teased. Learning how to bounce back from these interactions is a useful skill for students. However, being bullied or bullying others should not be ignored because it can have long-lasting negative emotional effects.
Teasing and aggressive behaviours toward peers become bullying when:
- There is a power difference. Bullying is done by someone who has more power (like more strength, popularity, or money) over someone who has less.
- There is an intention to cause harm. Bullying can include physical attacks, verbal threats, spreading rumours, or leaving someone out on purpose.
- It is repeated. Bullying happens again and again, not just once.
- It causes harm. If teasing or meanness affects a child’s well-being or daily life, it’s bullying.
Students do not usually bully because they are bad people. Some reasons students may bully others include:
- They want to fit in with friends who are bullying someone.
- They are getting bullied themselves at home or school.
- They want attention from others to feel important.
- They are impulsive and haven’t learned good ways to handle their impulses.
- They think others are mean to them, even if they are not.
- They do not understand how much their behaviour hurts others.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. It involves psychological abuse like intimidation, threats, humiliation, or stalking, done repeatedly through electronic means like social media or chat rooms.
Cyberbullies often hide behind screens and fake identities, making it harder for victims to defend themselves.
When should I be concerned about a student’s bullying?
Even though most students involved in bullying do not ask for help, there are warning signs. Signs a student could be being bullied include:
Signs a student might be bullied or cyberbullied:
- Lost or damaged clothes, books, or belongings
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or scratches
- Having few or no friends, or suddenly losing friends
- Being scared to go to school or making excuses not to go
- Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or faking illness
- Lower grades and loss of interest in school
- Sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, or depression
- Trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams
- Changes in eating habits, like loss of appetite or overeating
- Self-destructive behaviours like running away, self-harm, or talking about suicide
Signs a student might be bullying or cyberbullying others:
- Getting into fights
- Having friends who bully others
- Being overly aggressive
- Frequently sent to the principal’s office or detention
- Having extra money or new things without explanation
- Blaming others for their actions
- Worrying too much about reputation or popularity
What can I do to help a student with bullying?
If you are a teacher and see possible bullying situations in your school, here are a few things you can try:
- Open communication: Talk to the students involved to understand the situation. Avoid making assumptions or intervening before fully understanding the dynamics.
- Gather information: Talk to the students involved to understand the situation without interrupting. Avoid immediately trying to solve the problem before understanding everyone’s perspective.
- Establish clear classroom rules: Create and enforce rules against bullying, involving students in discussions about respectful behaviour and consequences.
Once teachers have talked to the students and understand the situation, here are some tips to help students who are victims of bullying:
- Offer support and empathy: Let students know you care and are there to help. Ask how they would like to be supported.
- Ask students what kind of help they need. Discuss with students what can be done to help them handle the situation.
- Inform caregivers: Contact the student’s caregivers to share your observations and discuss strategies for addressing the bullying.
- Collaborate with school support staff: Consult with the school counsellor, psychologist, or social worker for guidance and resources.
Where to find more information
For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.