What is bullying?

Bullying happens when an individual intentionally uses actions or words against someone or groups with the intention to cause distress. The target of bullying is usually someone perceived as weak or vulnerable and therefore not able to stop it from happening. 

Bullying can happen in person or over digital platforms, and therefore it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). It also happens to be a repeated behavior or has the potential to be repeated over time. It usually has an immediate, medium, and long-term effect on those involved. 

There are four main types of bullying, including; 

  • Physical. This type of bullying involves physically hurting another person, damaging, or stealing their belongings. It is evidenced through hitting, shoving, intimidating, and threatening violence. 

  • Verbal/written. This involves insulting, name-calling, or referencing a physical attribute, characteristic, or quality to hurt another person. 

  • Social. Also known as emotional or social bullying; includes excluding someone, spreading rumors that can have harmful effects, and damaging a person's reputation.

  • Cyberbullying. This form of bullying occurs online and can be verbal or written. It can include threats of violence, sharing of images and videos. There are other specific forms of bullying like racial and homophobic, and transphobic bullying, which share many similarities with the types of bullying mentioned before. 

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.


Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.



Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.