Bullying is a way of harming others, both physically and mentally. Bullies intimidate or frighten other people. They also make people feel bad about themselves.
Bullying often happens in schools, among children and teenagers. About one-third of middle- and high-school students in the United States have been bullied. Bullying usually becomes less of a problem as teenagers approach adulthood. However, adults can be bullied, too.
People often think of bullying as the use of violence or threats. However, bullying may be nonviolent as well. People who bully may insult or make fun of others. They may exclude others or keep them out of a group. They also may spread rumors or tell lies about others. Verbal bullying can take place in person or on the Internet. Bullying on the Internet is called cyberbullying.