Bullying comes in many forms. It can be physical with pushing, shoving, and tripping or verbal, where words are used hurtfully with name-calling, teasing, or spreading rumors. Online bullying happens when bullies use texting or social media to attack their victim. Bullying often involves at least three types of people:

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• The Bully: Where do they come from and why do they act the way they do? Some bullies are former victims, so they take their hurt and anger and direct it at their peers. Or they model the behavior of someone else, like a parent or sibling. They take the easy way out when it comes to getting attention and making themselves feel more powerful. Instead of doing this through positive ways like building achievements, being kind to others, and working hard, they use fear and intimidation to get people to notice them. This may be to elevate their status or popularity or to take the focus off their own imperfections.

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• The Witness: An active witness has the biggest opportunity to end bullying. Witnesses collectively have a lot of influence over the severity and acceptance of bullying. Without an audience, bullies don't get the attention they're typically seeking. An active witness is someone who stands up to a bully by speaking up and letting the bully know they are not okay with the situation. They can make a real difference because sometimes it only takes one person to put an end to someone getting bullied.

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• The Victim: A person who is being bullied might have rumors spread about them, receive threats, be physically abused, and be humiliated online. Sometimes bullies choose people who are passive, physically weaker, and don't have a lot of people to stick up for them. Other times they choose their target out of jealousy. They may envy your grades, your relationship status, your talents, or your family life. 

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