Harassment facts for kids
Harassment is when someone repeatedly bothers or upsets another person on purpose. It makes the person being bothered feel scared, worried, or uncomfortable.
This kind of behavior can make it hard for the person to speak up or ask for it to stop. They might worry about what could happen if they do. Harassment can happen in many different ways and places.
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What is Harassment?
Harassment is a type of behavior that is meant to annoy or upset someone. It is not a one-time event but usually happens over and over again. The person doing the harassing knows their actions are causing distress.
The goal of harassment is often to make the other person feel powerless or afraid. It can make someone feel very uncomfortable in places where they should feel safe.
Types of Harassment
Harassment can take many forms. It can happen in person, online, or through other means. Understanding the different types helps us know how to deal with them.
Bullying
Bullying is a common type of harassment, especially among young people. It often happens at school, in neighborhoods, or even online. A bully tries to make someone feel small or hurt them.
Bullying can be physical, like pushing or hitting. It can also be verbal, like calling names or spreading rumors. Cyberbullying happens online, using phones or computers to send mean messages.
Discrimination
Discrimination is another form of harassment. It happens when someone is treated unfairly because of who they are. This could be because of their race, religion, or other personal traits.
For example, someone might be harassed because of their skin color or their family's traditions. This kind of harassment makes people feel unwelcome and hurt.
Electronic Harassment
Electronic harassment involves using technology to bother someone. This can include sending unwanted messages, making threats online, or spreading false information. It often happens through social media, email, or text messages.
Sometimes, people might even claim that special waves are used to harass someone. This is a complex idea, but the main point is that technology can be used to cause distress.
How Harassment Affects People
Being harassed can have a big impact on a person's feelings and health. It can make someone feel sad, anxious, or even sick. They might have trouble sleeping or concentrating.
It's important to remember that harassment is never the victim's fault. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.
What to Do About Harassment
If you or someone you know is being harassed, it's important to get help. Talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor, is a good first step. They can offer support and advice.
Many schools and communities have rules and resources to stop harassment. There are also organizations that can help people deal with different types of harassment.
Images for kids
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Shimei curses David, 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld
See also
In Spanish: Hostigamiento para niños
