stopbullying.gov

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A boy blocks a girl's pathThere are many other types of aggressive behavior that don’t fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or require less attention than bullying. Rather, these behaviors require different prevention and response strategies.

Peer Conflict 

It is not bullying when two kids with no perceived power imbalance fight, have an argument, or disagree. Conflict resolution or peer mediation may be appropriate for these situations.

Teen Dating Violence 

Teen dating violence is intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or once were, in a relationship.

Hazing 

Hazing Exit Disclaimer is the use of embarrassing and often dangerous or illegal activities by a group to initiate new members.

Gang Violence 

There are specialized approaches to addressing violence and aggression within or between gangs.

Harassment 

Although bullying and harassment sometimes overlap, not all bullying is harassment and not all harassment is bullying. Under federal civil rights laws, harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a protected class (race, national origin, color, sex, age, disability, religion) that is severe, pervasive, or persistent and creates a hostile environment.

Stalking 

Stalking Exit Disclaimer is repeated harassing or threatening behavior such as following a person, damaging a person’s property, or making harassing phone calls.

Workplace Bullying 

The term bullying is typically used to refer to behavior that occurs between school-aged kids. However, adults can be repeatedly aggressive and use power over each other, too. Adults in the workplace have a number of different laws that apply to them that do not apply to kids.

Early Childhood 

Young children may be aggressive and act out when they are angry or don’t get what they want, but this is not bullying.

Young Adults 

Behaviors that are traditionally considered bullying among school-aged youth require special attention and different strategies in young adults and college students.