Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behaviour among individuals that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both individuals suffering from bullying and individuals displaying bullying behaviour may have serious, lasting problems, at times leading even to suicide.
Bullying may include physical violence, sexual violence, threats, teasing, social exclusion (ostracism) or other psychological violence. The presence of bullying is often a sign of aggressive or violent behaviour elsewhere in the aggressor’s lives.
Cyber bullying is becoming more common today. Examples include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos or websites.
All member states of the Council of Europe, including Malta, have adopted the Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education which requires them “to combat all forms of discrimination and violence, especially bullying and harassment”.