What characterizes bullying among students?

The essence of bullying among students is defined by repeated aggressive behavior accompanied by a power imbalance. This means that one student consistently exerts control or intimidation over another, creating an environment of fear and emotional harm. Bullying is not characterized by isolated incidents or minor conflicts; rather, it involves ongoing patterns of behavior where the aggressor targets the victim over time.

In contrast to infrequent teasing or one-time arguments, which may not have severe emotional or psychological effects, bullying has a profound impact due to its persistent nature. Physical fights linked to sports rivalry do not meet the criteria for bullying unless they involve repeated aggression motivated by a desire to dominate or harm. The key component here is the repetition and the power dynamics at play, which distinguish bullying from other forms of conflict among peers.