Bullying

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated, deliberate and hurtful behavior representing an imbalance of power, that often takes form in physical, verbal, indirect and cyber interactions. An imbalance of power can be in the form of using status, size, or numbers to carry out the aggression.

Physical bullying is classified as interactions that would harm or injure a person, including hitting, punching, kicking, etc. This also includes the threat of violence. Verbal bullying includes name calling or making offensive remarks. Indirect bullying involves excluding others from social groups and spreading rumors. Cyber bullying is defined as any type of bullying that is carried out by electronic medium, including: email, text message, chat room, picture/video via cell phone, instant messaging (IM) and websites.

What are the consequences of bullying?

There are consequences for bullies and their victims. Bullies are four times as likely as non-bullies to be convicted of crimes by age 24. They have an increased likelihood of delinquent behavior, including vandalism, shoplifting and truancy. Being bullied can potentially leave victims with low self-esteem, feeling anxious, insecure, unhappy or confused. Long-term consequences can be severe, and in some instances depression and suicide are the result of bullying.

What can bystanders do?

Witnesses, also known as bystanders, are present in 85 percent of bullying instances. Bullying experts believe that bystanders are influential in reducing bullying. Bystanders can intervene by discouraging the bully, showing empathy to the victim and reporting bullying instances.

Who can bullying be reported to?

The research shows that that the most effective way to decrease bullying is to involve the systems that the bully is a member of - so they feel consequences for their actions. This means involving administration, professors, or other organizations like Greek Life and coaches.

Also, the University Counseling Center provides free, confidential services to all Loyola students. Appointments can be made by calling (504) 865-3835 or in-person in the Danna Student Center room 208.

A professional counselor and a Residential Life Community Director are available to respond to after-hours emergencies 24/7 and can be contacted via LUPD at (504) 865-3434.

Prepared by the Step Up, Reach Out! Bateman Team anti-bullying campaign.