The Different Types of Bullying Every Parent Should Know

My family has always talked about bullying because it has hit our home more than once and yes, as a parent, bullying is one of the hardest things to think about happening to our children. Unfortunately, bullying happens in schools, online, on sports teams, and even in neighborhoods.

Bullying can leave emotional scars that last long after the bullying ends. Not only does it happen to kids and adults as well. My best friend was bullied as a child by her dad and to this day she still has problems with it and has stated to see a Counselor to be able to move one.

Bullying is also personal for our family. Both of our children Suzzane and Charlie have experienced bullying in different ways over the years, and we’ve seen firsthand how quickly it can affect a child’s confidence, sense of safety, and willingness to engage at school or in social settings. Those experiences are part of why we believe it’s so important to talk openly about bullying and recognize the signs early.

One reason bullying can be difficult to recognize is that it doesn’t always look the same. Many people picture pushing or fighting, but bullying can take many forms. Physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, damaging belongings, or threatening physical harm. These actions often leave visible signs, but they can also leave emotional wounds that are harder to see.

Verbal bullying can be just as damaging. Name-calling, teasing, insults, mocking, and cruel comments about a child’s appearance, abilities, or differences can slowly destroy self-confidence. Words matter, and repeated hurtful words can stay with someone for years.

Social or relational bullying is sometimes harder for adults to notice. This can include leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors, embarrassing them in front of others, encouraging friends to ignore them, or trying to damage their reputation. Many children describe this kind of bullying as one of the most painful because it affects friendships and a sense of belonging.

Today, there is also cyberbullying which has become another major concern. This can include hurtful messages, mean comments, fake accounts, sharing embarrassing photos, or excluding someone from online groups and it can follow a child long after the school day ends. Because technology is always available, many children feel there is no safe place to escape.

Bullying can affect children and adults in different ways. Some children and even adults become angry or withdrawn. Others suddenly don’t want to go to school, or work and they lose interest in activities they once loved, complain of headaches or stomachaches, or have trouble sleeping. Some children become very quiet and try not to draw attention to themselves. They may feel as though becoming “invisible” is the only way to avoid getting hurt.

That is one reason stories like Invisible can be so meaningful. Books often help us understand emotions that children struggle to put into words. They can open the door to honest conversations about kindness, empathy, and asking for help when life feels overwhelming.

Parents should remind their children that bullying is never their fault and that they will always be listened to without judgment. Sometimes a child simply needs to know that one trusted adult believes them and is willing to help. But also adults need to find someone they trust and ask for help if there being bullied.

As a community, we also have an opportunity to teach everyone to be kind, to include others, and to speak up when they see someone being mistreated. A single act of kindness can change the course of another person’s day—and sometimes even their life.

In our next article, we’ll look at the warning signs that may indicate a child is being bullied and how parents can recognize them before the situation becomes more serious. Which as much as I hate to admit it can happen more than we know.

Have you ever had to help a child or adult through bullying? Share your thoughts or encouragement in the comments. Your story may remind another family that they are not alone.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates