Peer Bullying

Peer bullying is a set of behaviors through which an individual is systematically and intentionally harmed by one or more peers of the same age group through physical, verbal, psychological, or social means. Key characteristics of these behaviors include intent to cause harm, persistence over time, and an imbalance of power. Bullying becomes more pronounced when the victim is unable to defend themselves.

Types of Bullying

Peer bullying is classified into several forms:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, kicking, damaging property.
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, insults, threats, mockery.
• Relational (social) bullying: Exclusion, isolating from peer groups, spreading rumors.
• Sexual bullying: Sexual remarks and actions.
• Cyberbullying: Psychological pressure exerted through digital platforms.

Roles

In bullying processes, there are not only the bully and the victim but also third parties—bystanders—who observe or indirectly influence the process. Additionally, individuals who are both victims of bullying and perpetrators of bullying toward others are referred to as “bully/victims.” Behavioral and psychological differences have been observed among these groups.

A visual representing peer bullying. (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Prevalence and Statistical Data

Research conducted in Türkiye indicates that peer bullying is widespread in schools. One study found that 47% of students were involved in bullying processes; 31.4% were victims, 4.6% were bullies, and 11% were bully/victims. ^【1】 The most common type of bullying is verbal (47.9%), followed by physical bullying (26.7%). ^【2】

Psychological and Social Effects

Individuals subjected to bullying often exhibit psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, academic underachievement, and school phobia. These individuals are more likely to avoid school, withdraw socially, and experience emotional disturbances. In contrast, bullies frequently display aggression, lack of empathy, and behavioral problems.

Empathy and Bullying Relationship

Studies have determined that individuals engaging in bullying behavior exhibit lower levels of empathy, and that both emotional and cognitive empathy play a significant role in distinguishing between types of bullying. A deficiency in empathy contributes to a decline in prosocial behaviors and an increase in antisocial tendencies.

Theoretical Approaches

Five main theoretical approaches to peer bullying have been identified:

• Individual Differences Approach: According to this approach, peer bullying arises from physical or psychological differences among individuals. Bullies are typically characterized as stronger, more dominant, or more confident, while victims are often seen as vulnerable, introverted, or socially less skilled. These differences facilitate the bully’s ability to exert control over the victim. This approach focuses on the role of individual personality traits and psychological structures in bullying behavior.
• Developmental Process Approach: This approach argues that bullying may emerge naturally within an individual’s developmental process. Especially during early childhood, children begin to test dominance and power in social interactions. The social interactions and learning experiences during this period form the foundation of future behavior. Bullying can be understood as a consequence of efforts to establish a position in the social hierarchy and gain status. Therefore, stages of social and emotional development play a critical role in understanding bullying.
• Socio-Cultural Approach: Bullying is not merely an interpersonal issue but is also linked to the cultural structure of society. According to this approach, societal differences related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status can enable dominant groups to exert power over others. Bullying is viewed as a reflection of these social inequalities manifesting in interactions from an early age. Thus, this approach evaluates bullying not only as an interpersonal phenomenon but also within a broader social context.
• Group Pressure Approach: This approach emphasizes the influence of peer groups in shaping bullying behavior. Young people tend to conform to group norms to gain acceptance and avoid exclusion. These norms sometimes endorse or support bullying behaviors. In such cases, individuals may participate in bullying despite their personal beliefs, yielding to group pressure. Group dynamics exert a powerful influence on individual behavior, particularly during adolescence.
• Restorative Justice Approach: This approach proposes a restorative process that involves both the victim and the perpetrator, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. After a bullying incident, the parties are brought together to discuss the impact of the event. The goal is for the perpetrator to take responsibility for their actions and for the victim’s harm to be acknowledged and addressed. This method aims not only to prevent bullying but also to foster empathy between the parties and support social harmony.

School and Family Influences

Family climate and school environment are decisive factors in participation in peer bullying. Research shows that particularly parental interventions characterized by intrusiveness and low levels of support are associated with bullying. In schools, insufficient guidance and psychological counseling services hinder efforts to combat bullying.