Bullying is never okay. It can be difficult to understand what it is unless you’ve experienced or witnessed it. Here are some helpful definitions:
Bullying
Bullying is offensive, intimidating or malicious behaviour that makes you feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened.
Bullying can be perpetrated by a peer (for example, a course colleague or flatmate) or by someone in a position of seniority (a teacher or another member of staff).
It can be in physical, verbal or non-verbal. Bullying can occur in person or online.
It can include:
- shouting at, being sarcastic towards, ridiculing or demeaning others
- physical or psychological threats
- overbearing and intimidating levels of supervision
- inappropriate and/or derogatory remarks about someone's performance
- deliberately excluding someone
- abuse of authority or power (by someone in a position of seniority)
Some people may try to dismiss or excuse the above behaviour as banter. Please do not dismiss any behaviour that is affecting your wellbeing - please seek support.