Bully Prevention

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

• Beware of cyberbullyingLearn what cyberbullying is, its impact and what you can do if the victim is you or your child.
• Stop office bullyingKids 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.
• Bullying: What Parents, Teachers Can Do to Stop ItQuestions for bullying expert Susan Swearer, PhD
• How parents, teachers and kids can take action to prevent bullyingAPA recommends that teachers, parents and students can take certain actions to address bullying.

Getting Help

• Find a Psychologist
• School Bullying is Nothing New, But Psychologists Identify New Ways to Prevent ItSystematic 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.