According to the Safe@School website, "Conflict is a disagreement or a difference of opinion or interests between equals." Bullying is a form of intimidation toward someone who is perceived as being weaker, and it can result in physical and/or emotional harm. A conflict, on the other hand, arises when there is a legitimate disagreement. For example, two boys working together on a school assignment might develop a conflict if one refuses to do his part. They may argue about the situation, or even carry over feelings to other situations, but it is not bullying. With bullying, a victim is attacked unprovoked by a person or group, and the torment continues over a period of time. Several incidents of bullying in schools have been reported that involve sexual harassment. The assaults may include name-calling, tossing trash at the victim and physical threats.
Bullying comes in many forms. "School bullying refers to all types of bullying done on school property, whether it is peer-to-peer bullying, bullying of younger children by older children, or bullying in which a teacher is either a victim or a culprit," states BullyingStatistics.com. The aggressor might target an individual or a group and relentlessly pursue tormenting the victims. Targets often involve students who are or who are thought to be homosexuals, students with disabilities, students of specific racial or ethnic groups, and even students who are high achievers or whom the bully/ies envy for some reason. Bullies and victims can be male or female.
Bullies and victims should be treated differently than students involved in a mere conflict. Conflict resolution measures will not stop bullying, and adults have the responsibility to protect the safety of all students. Victims should receive help to restore self-esteem and learn strategies for dealing with future attacks. The bullies must take responsibility for their actions. When differentiating bullying from conflict, understand the conditions that occur with bullying: imbalance of power; intent to harm -- emotionally or physically, with escalating degrees of aggression; distress in the victim -- possibly fear or outright terror; physical effects of the stress; avoiding school and threats.
Courtney Fox, a 1st grade teacher in Delaware examines the question "Are Schools Just Reacting to Bullying Instead of Preventing It?" in her article on the Take Part website. Fox takes the position that punishing does not stop bullies, so schools must be proactive in preventing bullying. She writes, "It all starts with community -- the classroom community, the adult community at school and the entire school community." Preventing Bullying requires that we teach children to be kind. Teachers can help by recognizing when someone is left out by trying to include him or her, and by teaching students to appreciate differences in others.