School-related bullying is what most people think of when they think of the term “bullying.” Sadly, many children suffer from physical and emotional effects of bullying from other people that they encounter in school. You may only perceive it as punching, kicking, and other forms of physical encounters but did you know that there are various kinds of bullying that you should watch out for.

Verbal - This type involves calling names, making offensive jokes, belittling other’s capabilities, and scrutinizing one’s religion, race, color, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Students who suffer from verbal abuse may not show appropriate emotions right away but as time and further abuse builds, it will lead to detrimental academic and social skills. Making threats also qualifies as verbal bullying, even if the act is not carried out. This type holds the highest percentage of bullying present in schools.

Physical - This is also a common type that we see at school. Most seen scenario is when a student of a bigger built picks on petite and susceptible individuals. It also happens when a group inflicts physical abuse to other students/gang members. Examples of physical bullying include, but are not limited to punching, slapping, kicking, hitting, and pushing. When an individual destroys a book, uniform, or any property of another student, that act also qualifies under this type.

Covert - This is also called indirect bullying. It is sometimes hard to spot as the person involved is not normally aware of the harassment done. One example will be spreading rumors or made-up stories to harm others. Other scenarios will be divulging secrets, mimicking, and damaging other’s reputation. Making gestures and faces behind a person’s back is also a form of indirect abuse.

Alienation - If a kid is treated as an out-cast at school then it qualifies under alienation. Some bullies will even encourage other students to alienate a person during school activities, groupings, games, and break periods. Another technique used by bullies is threatening others that they will also suffer the same fate if they talk or make friends with the victim. This type greatly affects the psychological state of a kid. Due to isolation, a child will not be able to form good relationships with others which can then result to isolation even in the latter stage of life.

Cyberbullying - Since technology is already a part of everyone’s life, it is also common to inflict harm using it. Most kids today are provided with cellular phones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, and other gadgets thus making it easier to bully others through the use of technology mediums. A simple text message passed around the campus or inside the class is already classified as cyberbullying. Hacking other’s webpage and altering its contents is also an example. Worse case scenarios will be bullies posting a video of a physical abuse in the Internet.

Remember that students are not the only bullies in a school; it can also come from the teacher, instructor, principal, security guard, or other staff members of the school. Proper education about the types and examples of bullying can be a form of protection as you can immediately seek help when they are observed. Just remember that every child has the right to feel and remain safe at school school.