Chart on Categories of Bullying Behavior

I use this chart when dealing with school systems about bullying of a student with disabilities. Sometimes I am called in cases where this is occurring.

It helps staff recognize behaviors that are bullying in three categories: physical, verbal and social - which otherwise might be dismissed as acceptable. The problem is that when level 1 behaviors escalate to level 2 and 3, the behaviors become more difficult to manage, particularly in groups. For example, in Level 2 it is typical for the bully to blame the targeted student and unfortunately the staff may join in on this not recognizing this as an escalated bullying behavior. I know of cases where students with disabilities have had to transfer schools because bullying had escalated to such a degree.

By recognizing bullying behaviors early, staff can better handle situations and refer students to appropriate resources, whether it be counseling or disciplinary referrals.

As an aside, adults may engage in some of these behaviors toward other people (with or without disabilities). Spreading rumors, engaging in gossip and gestures and nonverbal behaviors are bullying toward another and escalate as you can see on the chart. I have seen this occur as part of a "herd mentality" in which the majority practices exclusion , a level 2 (and sometimes 3) behavior that you can see in the chart.