Clearfork Academy logo
(888) 594-8699open 24/7

Bullying

Plus signs

Bullying can occur in many forms and situations. Types of bullying include physical bullying, verbal bullying, social bullying, psychological bullying, cyber bullying (via social media), and text bullying (via text messages). All types of bullying have a negative mental health impact on victims, witnesses, and perpetrators.

What is Bullying?

A commonly used bullying definition is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. In other words, kids use physical strength, popularity, or access to information to control or harm others. While bullying is most frequently talked about in terms of children and teens, it can also occur among adults in a workplace. Bullying actions typically happen more than once, and may include making threats, spreading rumors, name-calling, embarrassing someone in public, inappropriate sexual comments, and excluding others. Bullying is common: About 20 percent of students ages 12–18 experience bullying. Most bullying occurs on school grounds, but it can also happen on the school bus, at neighborhood playgrounds, or online.

Kids who are bullied are more likely to have health complaints, depression and anxiety, feelings of loneliness and sadness, and decreased academic achievement. While bullying is often linked to suicide in the media, most children and teens who are bullied do not have suicidal thoughts unless other factors, such as depression or trauma, are present. Furthermore, those who bully others are at greater risk for substance abuse, dropping out of school, early sexual activity, and criminal convictions. In addition, kids who witness others being bullied also have increased mental health problems and substance use.

Parents and teachers can help prevent bullying by stopping any bullying action they witness and finding out the details of what happened. The next step is to support everyone involved to make sure the bullying doesn’t continue and its effects are addressed.

Sources: BullyingStatistics.org, StopBullying.gov, National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics

It's Time to Make a Change

We Can Help You on Your Path to Mental Wellness

Call Today (888) 594-8699

Blog

Read More
A teenager using a vape device, illustrating the vaping habit parents may notice in their child
Vaping & Emerging Drugs

How to Help a Teen Quit Vaping: Advice & Tips for Parents

Key Takeaways Understand why teens vape in the first place, whether it’s peer pressure, stress relief, curiosity, or nicotine addiction. Identifying the root cause is what makes quitting stick. Start

April 24, 2026
A parent talking to a teenager about staying away from alcohol

How to Prevent Teen Drinking: 7 Things Parents Can Do

April 23, 2026

Key Takeaways Start conversations about alcohol early and often, using age-appropriate language to discuss the risks, peer pressure, and your family’s expectations. Ongoing dialogue is far more effective than a one-time talk. Model healthy behavior at home. Teens are more

A teenager sleeping during the day, showing possible signs of drug addiction

Is Sleeping a Lot a Sign of Drug Use? Addiction Symptoms Explained

April 22, 2026

Key Takeaways Excessive sleep can be a warning sign of drug use, particularly with substances like opioids, marijuana, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, which act as central nervous system depressants and cause prolonged drowsiness or fatigue. Withdrawal and the comedown phase from

A person sitting next to a teenager, having a conversation about alcohol addiction

How to Help a Teenager with Alcohol Problems: Tips & Treatment Options

April 21, 2026

Key Takeaways If you’re worried about your teen’s alcohol addiction, start with an open, compassionate conversation. Approach them without judgment, listen actively, and express your concern from a place of love to build trust and encourage honesty. Look into age-appropriate