Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, patronised, undermined or threatened and creates an intimidating working or learning environment. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation or power derived from acting as a group.
Bullying can take the form of physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct. Bullying can take place in person or remotely via email, text message or social media. It may include, by way of example:
- physical or psychological threats;
- overbearing and intimidating levels of supervision;
- inappropriate derogatory remarks or criticism about someone’s performance;
- deliberately excluding someone from work or social activities;
- regularly making jokes about someone or belittling them
What should I do if I or someone I know is experiencing bullying or harassment?
Find out what support is available.