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What are the Different Types of Bullying in High School?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Bullying in high school is a type of repeated abuse that is commonly physical, sexual, or homophobic in nature. It can also be emotional, verbal, or carried out over the Internet or via mobile phones, which is known as cyber bullying. The words high school bully often bring to mind a stereotypical bully who pushes smaller classmates into lockers or garbage cans, but bullying is frequently more than physical interactions. Gossip, verbal harassment, and text messaging that involves hurtful or inappropriate comments to classmates are all forms of bullying that take place every day in high schools. Many preteens and teenagers begin bullying during high school, sometimes unaware that their actions are abusive and often considered a crime.

Physical bullying in high school can include the stereotypical abuse frequently seen in comedy films and situation comedies, like wedgies, physical injuries, and stealing money or items. Shoving, malicious pranks, and de-panting someone also fall under physical bullying. While these acts of abuse tend to be lighthearted on screen, they can—and frequently do—cause psychological trauma and feelings of depression and humiliation when performed in the real world.

Bullying via text messaging is a common problem in schools.
Bullying via text messaging is a common problem in schools.

Sexual bullying can be physical or non-physical, and both preteens and teenagers are at risk in school. This type of bullying in high school can involve groping, the use of sexually insulting language, and compulsion or persuasion to do something sexual. Sexual bullying can be traumatic for the student who experiences it firsthand and those who witness it.

Cyber bullying that involves abuse over the internet or by text message occurs at many high schools.
Cyber bullying that involves abuse over the internet or by text message occurs at many high schools.

Homophobic bullying includes all other forms of bullying, such as physical, sexual, and cyber, that are carried out because of the victim’s sexual orientation. The victim may be made to feel unwelcome or harassed to change his or her sexual orientation due to the bully’s personal or religious beliefs. Teachers might also express disapproval of a student’s orientation and vice versa.

Engaging in repeated, intimidating telephone calls is a form of bullying.
Engaging in repeated, intimidating telephone calls is a form of bullying.

Emotional and verbal abuse are especially common in high schools. Verbal bullying in high school normally consists of harsh language or negatively commenting on a person’s clothing or body. Emotional bullying in high school, however, can mean giving someone the silent treatment, spreading inappropriate or unkind rumors, and purposefully provoking others by whispering or laughing in front of them. These acts of repeated abuse are not carried out solely or even primarily by male students. Girls bullying other female classmates is also common through the use of gossip, online bullying, and physical confrontations.

Discussion Comments

highlighter

I would be curious to know how high school bullying statistics have changed in the last decade, especially considering this is the period when the largest technological innovations as of late have taken place. It seems like things like text messaging, social networking, and the popularity of cell phones has led to an increase in high school bullying.

chicada

Boy has times changed since I have been in high school. The bullying that I and other kids went through was more along the lines of physical and racial bullying rather than the more emotional bullying kids go through today. I am not saying that either is worse, but it is a completely different dynamic.

When I was in high school, either you avoided those that bullied you or you fought back. Now kids are unable to avoid bullies because they are present in their environment beyond school (cyber bullying). Kids are also hammered really hard for fighting now so you cannot even fight back if you want to. I am almost glad that I went to high school when I did and did not have to deal with what kids deal with today. I would not know how to deal with bullies in high school if I were a young student today.

abundancer

I think it is really sad that we see so much of this in movies and in popular teen television shows.

Sometimes I think it becomes worse in reality because teens watching it,don't truly see or understand that it can have serious consequences. To them it's make-believe and when they try it, I think in their mind, they think of it as not real.

The first thing for any one being bullied need to do, is to immediately tell a parent, teacher, school authority of some kind.

Even if the bully threatens you if you tell, always tell. I know this from first hand experience. Not telling only gives it a chance to escalate.

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    • Bullying via text messaging is a common problem in schools.
      By: Adam Radosavljevic
      Bullying via text messaging is a common problem in schools.
    • Cyber bullying that involves abuse over the internet or by text message occurs at many high schools.
      By: creative soul
      Cyber bullying that involves abuse over the internet or by text message occurs at many high schools.
    • Engaging in repeated, intimidating telephone calls is a form of bullying.
      By: maximino gomes
      Engaging in repeated, intimidating telephone calls is a form of bullying.
    • Bullying in high school is a type of repeated abuse that is commonly physical, sexual, or homophobic in nature.
      By: michaeljung
      Bullying in high school is a type of repeated abuse that is commonly physical, sexual, or homophobic in nature.
    • Ostracizing is a common form of bullying in high school.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Ostracizing is a common form of bullying in high school.
    • Many incidents of online bullying start out as incidents of real life bullying.
      By: Monkey Business
      Many incidents of online bullying start out as incidents of real life bullying.
    • High school bullying might lead to physical violence.
      By: Monkey Business
      High school bullying might lead to physical violence.
    • Spreading rumors about someone can be an example of emotional bullying.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Spreading rumors about someone can be an example of emotional bullying.