Workplace bullying facts for kids

Workplace bullying is when someone is mean or unfair to another person at their job. It's a type of bullying that happens in a workplace, which is any place where people go to do their work. Just like bullying at school, it can make people feel sad, scared, or stressed.

What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying is when someone repeatedly acts in a way that harms or upsets another person at their job. It's not just a one-time disagreement. Instead, it's a pattern of behavior that makes the workplace feel unsafe or uncomfortable for the person being targeted. This kind of bullying can happen between co-workers, or from a boss to an employee, or even from an employee to a boss.

How Bullying Can Happen

Bullying in the workplace can take many different forms. It's not always physical. Often, it involves words or actions that are meant to make someone feel bad or powerless.

Verbal Bullying

This includes things like yelling, insulting someone, or making fun of them. It can also be spreading rumors or telling lies about a person.

Social Bullying

Sometimes, bullying involves leaving someone out on purpose. This could mean not inviting them to team meetings, ignoring their ideas, or not talking to them at all. It makes the person feel isolated and alone.

Undermining Work

A bully might try to make someone's work harder or take credit for their ideas. They might give impossible tasks or constantly criticize everything the person does, even when it's good.

Intimidation

This is when someone tries to scare or threaten another person. It could be through angry looks, aggressive body language, or even subtle threats about their job.

Who Can Be Bullied?

Anyone can become a target of workplace bullying. It doesn't matter how old they are, what their job is, or how good they are at their work. Bullying is never the fault of the person being bullied. It's always about the person doing the bullying and their own behavior.

Why Does Bullying Happen?

There are many reasons why someone might bully another person at work. Sometimes, a bully might feel insecure about themselves and try to make others feel small to feel more powerful. Other times, they might be under a lot of stress and take it out on others. It's important to remember that these reasons don't make bullying okay.

How Bullying Affects People

Being bullied at work can have a big impact on a person. They might feel very stressed, anxious, or sad. It can make them not want to go to work anymore. It can also make it hard for them to focus and do their best work. People who are bullied might also lose confidence in themselves.

What to Do About Bullying

If someone you know is experiencing workplace bullying, or if you ever encounter it in the future, there are important steps to take.

Talk to a Trusted Adult

The first step is to tell someone you trust. This could be a parent, a teacher, a school counselor, or another adult who can help. They can offer advice and support.

Document What Happens

It's helpful to keep a record of what's happening. Write down the dates, times, and exactly what the bully did or said. This information can be useful if you need to report the bullying.

Seek Help from the Workplace

Many workplaces have rules and policies against bullying. There might be a human resources department or a manager who can help resolve the situation. It's important to report the behavior so it can be stopped.

Support Others

If you see someone else being bullied, try to be a supportive friend. Let them know you care and encourage them to get help. Standing up for others can make a big difference.

Workplace bullying is a serious issue, but by understanding what it is and how to deal with it, people can work towards creating safer and happier environments for everyone.