The Evolution of the Definition of Bullying

Western society is permeated by myths and misinformation about bullying. This misinformation includes the ideas that bullying is “mean” or “cruel” behavior intended to cause harm; that children learn bullying behavior at home or as a result of poor parenting; that punishment is an effective way to deal with bullying; that bullying occurs due to one or more “powers” that are out of balance between the aggressor and target; that some kids who are bullied are “powerless” to get the bullying to stop; that rules against bullying can work; that adults can somehow judge when bullying is occurring between students based on observed behaviors; that students who bully are “evil” or “bad characters” who go on to a life of crime, drug use, or are unable to have positive relationships; and that the solutions to driving positive behavioral change in students include putting up posters, wearing rubber bracelets, and “teaching kindness.”

A primary source of these myths and misinformation about bullying is a legacy definition of bullying initially proposed by Norwegian researcher Dan Olweus in the 1960s that evolved to include the erroneous ideas that bullying involves an intent to harm, involves repetition of behaviors, and is characterized by a “power imbalance” between the aggressor and target. Researchers have used this flawed definition for decades as the basis for subsequent bullying research, which in turn has led to the development and use of flawed policies.

Although some researchers recognized the flaws in this definition, the lack of widespread recognition and acceptance of those flaws meant that Olweus’s ideas stood as a basis for subsequent work. Recently, however, researchers have formally acknowledged the problems with the traditional bullying definition. This awareness and a history of the evolution of the understanding of bullying can be found in the article titled “Bullying and the Abuse of Power” in International Journal of Bullying Prevention (see Sources, ref: Andrews, et al.). While researchers have finally come to recognize that these early ideas of Olweus are inaccurate, the definition’s influence remains, meaning that educators must take it upon themselves to understand the flaws and identify and replace problematic policies based on it.

Updated: 12/5/2023