Similarities Between Bullying And Harassment

When bullying and harassment is spoke about people often think they are the same words with the same meaning. Although they do have some similarities, the true definition that lies within them unlocks the key to how distinct the two actions are. To most people, the answer to this puzzling misunderstanding is the characteristics, the effects it has on individuals, and how it violates school policy or criminal law. Bullying is portrayed as unwanted behavior that is characterized as intimidating, insulting, and provoking; in contrast, harassment is referred to as undesirable actions that can ruin an individual's reputation. One of the factors that contributes to making these words distinct is characteristics. While one bully may prey on multiple …show more content…
Harassment deals with a strong physical component and is usually a form of contact. It is also an intrusion of one's personal space, causing the individual to feel uncomfortable. In contrast, bullying is particularly the act of name-calling, criticizing, and threatening. The bully wants to feel as if he or she is more competent than its victim. Broadly speaking, bullying can be described as an aggressive and unwanted behavior. This deals with a sort of power imbalance. The most common form of bullying, is verbal bullying. A victim of bullying often displays high levels of emotion, lacks self-esteem, and feels lonely. In addition, studies have shown that the effects of bullying can be everlasting that runs over into one’s adulthood. On the other hand, the effects of harassment often leads to the victim lacking self confidence, anxiety, and depression. Besides the victim being physically hurt, the individual has to deal with the dread of the next attack. It also increases an individual’s ability to experience things relating to anxiety disorders. The consistency of the unprovoked attacks most often leads to the feeling of humiliation and a sense of …show more content…
Harassment violates criminal law, in which is confined by state law. Harassment charges can vary anywhere between misdemeanor to felony charges. It also often leads to an individual obtaining a restraining order against the perpetrator. Violations to the restraining order can result in higher levels of charge. If an individual has previously encountered a charger relating to harassment, he or she will receive a higher level of charge. In some instances “stalking” is set apart from the offense of harassment, but this too still violates criminal law. On the other hand, there is no present federal law that addresses bullying. However, parents and students need to be aware of the severe violations implemented under school policy regarding bullying. Students that violate school policy will face suspension or could possibly be expelled, depending on the severity of the situation. Students that are associated with any form of bullying may also serve jail time, face criminal penalties, and civil fines. If a school district fails to handle the situation properly, they too can receive civil law