Students are returning to California’s schools, and everyone is still using their smartphones and computers. These may also be ground zero for different types of obvious and subtle bullying.
Physical
One of the most obvious and easily-identifiable types of bullying and abuse is physical bullying. This involves a person using physical action to overpower and control their victim. These bullies, especially among children, tend to be larger, stronger, and more aggressive than other people in their group.
This bullying includes physical attacks such as kicking, hitting, punching, and slapping.
Verbal
The adage that words may never hurt you is wrong. Verbal bullying can have serious consequences and cause emotional harm. Victims who are children often have little recourse because others may not witness this bullying or victims are told to cope with it.
Verbal bullying is used to gain control over victims through words, statements, and name calling. Unremitting insults are weaponized to belittle, demean and harm to victims. Children with special needs are common targets of this bullying.
Relational aggression
This is an often unnoticed but damaging form of bullying. Also known as emotional or social bullying, it is a kind of social manipulation where teenagers and tweens try to harm their peers or damage their social standing. In the workplace, bullying bosses also engage in this aggression.
These bullies often ostracize their victims, spread rumors, manipulate situations, and do not keep confidences. Perpetrators engage in this bullying to increase their social standing.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves using the internet, a smartphone or other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target their victims. It includes posting hurtful images, making threats, and sending harmful texts and emails. This bullying is called cyber-harassment or cyberstalking when adults are involved.
Technology gives perpetrators anonymity and detachment. This bullying can cause significant damage to victims because it may be invasive, ongoing and occur anytime and anywhere.
Sexual bullying
This includes repetitive, harmful, and humiliating acts that target its victims personally. Sexual name-calling, crude comments, vulgar gestures, uninvited touching, and sexual propositioning are examples. It may also involve comments about the victim’s appearance, attractiveness, and sexual activity.
Slut shaming is a form of cyberbullying where girls degraded for their looks, dressing, and presumed sexual activity.
Prejudicial
This includes targeting others based on their race, religion, or sexual orientation. It may also involve all other forms of bullying.
Attorneys can help pursue legal claims against schools or other parties responsible for preventing bullying. They can help assure that your family’s legal rights are protected.
