What characterizes bullying in contrast to harmless teasing?

Bullying is characterized by one-sided, intentional harm where there is a power imbalance between the individuals involved. This means that one person uses their perceived power—whether it’s physical strength, social influence, or access to embarrassing information—to dominate, intimidate, or harm another person. This unidirectional harm creates an environment of fear and distress for the victim, distinguishing bullying from harmless teasing, which is typically mutual and playful in nature.

In contrast, harmless teasing usually involves a consensual exchange where both parties are engaging in playful banter without any intent to hurt the other. It often occurs in a context of friendship, where both individuals understand the playful intent behind the comments or actions.

The elements of power imbalance and intentional harm are critical in defining bullying, highlighting the serious nature of the behavior and its impact on the victim's emotional and psychological well-being. Recognizing these characteristics is essential for effectively addressing and preventing bullying in educational settings.