Helping to be Bully-Free Cheshire East

Is it bullying or just a fall out

There are three agreed defining features of bullying:

• the victim is targeted by an individual or group on a regular basis
• there is intention to harm or humiliate
• there is a power imbalance, the victim is fearful of those targeting him or her

When all of the above are happening, it is highly likely that this is a bullying situation.

Bullying can take different forms. It could include:

• physical bullying: hitting, slapping or pushing someone
• verbal bullying: name calling, gossiping or threatening someone
• non-verbal abuse: hand signs or text messages
• emotional abuse: threatening, intimidating or humiliating someone
• exclusion: ignoring or isolating someone
• undermining, constant criticism or spreading rumours
• controlling or manipulating someone
• making silent, hoax or abusive calls

The following types of bullying are also hate crime:

• racial, sexual, transphobic or homophobic bullying
• bullying someone because they have a disability

If the situation is a fallout between friends, but you remain concerned, please discuss with an adult working with your child and ask them to monitor things.

Page last reviewed: 05 June 2024