When Kids Are Targeted: Recognizing and Responding to Bullying

Everyone disagrees sometimes, and people can be unkind once in a while. But bullying is different. Real bullying is repeated, on purpose, and meant to hurt someone — making them feel scared, embarrassed, or powerless.

Knowing what bullying really looks like can help you recognize when someone needs support.

What Is Real Bullying?

Real bullying happens more than once and involves a power difference — one person has more strength, popularity, or social influence than the other. It can look different depending on the situation:

• Verbal — name-calling, insults, teasing, or threats
  
• Emotional — embarrassing someone on purpose or making them doubt themselves
  
• Social — leaving someone out, spreading rumors, or turning friends against them
  
• Cyberbullying — mean messages, embarrassing posts, or public shaming online
  
• Physical — hitting, pushing, tripping, or damaging belongings
  

Not every conflict is bullying. A one-time argument, an accident with an apology, or someone simply saying "no" doesn't fit the definition. Knowing the difference helps make sure real bullying gets taken seriously.

Signs Someone May Be Being Bullied

Watch for changes in behavior — avoiding school or friends, seeming sad, anxious, or unusually quiet, complaining of headaches or stomachaches, or worrying a lot about fitting in. These can be signals that something more serious is going on.

When a Counselor Can Help

Bullying is never the fault of the person being targeted. It can damage self-esteem, make school feel unsafe, and take a real toll on mental health. You don't have to figure it out alone.

A counselor can help you or your child:

Make sense of what's happening and feel heard

Build confidence and healthy responses to bullying situations

Work through anxiety, sadness, or other feelings bullying can cause

Know what steps to take - and feel ready to take them

Take the Next Step

If bullying is affecting you or someone you love, our counselors are here to help — without pressure or judgment.

📧 Schedule online: pchas.org/schedule-all

📞 Call: (833) 208‑3201

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Reaching out is a brave and positive first step.

Adults Deal With Bullying Too

Bullying doesn't always end when childhood does. It can follow us into the workplace, into friendships, and into adult relationships — and it can be just as damaging to your confidence and mental health.

You deserve support, too. Our counselors work with adults navigating intimidation, manipulation, and unhealthy relationship patterns — helping you feel stronger and more in control.