Which type of bullying focuses on damaging social relationships?

Relational bullying is specifically aimed at damaging social relationships and undermining a person's sense of belonging. This type of bullying involves behaviors such as exclusion, spreading rumors, or manipulating social dynamics to harm another individual's relationships with peers. It can be subtle but has a profound impact on the victim's social well-being and mental health.

In contrast, physical bullying involves the use of physical aggression, such as hitting or pushing, which targets an individual's body rather than their social connections. Verbal bullying, while it can harm reputations, primarily relies on direct insults or threats and typically does not directly focus on social dynamics in the same strategic manner as relational bullying. Reactive bullying often arises as a response to perceived attacks or slights and isn't primarily centered around the goal of damaging social ties.