Bothering, Conflict, Bullying Chart

It can often be hard for both adults and children alike to discern the difference between bothering, conflict, and bullying. Below you will find some of the characteristics of each of these behaviors. It is possible for one of these behaviors to turn into another over the course of time, however in general we can usually separate a behavior into one of the three categories. It is important for both adults and children to be able to discern between these three actions as it will help to inform the next steps you take.

Bothering

Conflict

Bullying

· Primary goal is not to harm.

· Causes a person to become annoyed or irritated but does not cause harm or fear.

· Can be inadvertent, done without intent.

· Bothersome behaviors may be uncomfortable, but they do not cause harm to the other person.

· Mutually competitive or opposing action or engagement.

· Includes disagreements, arguments, and fights.

· Variability in roles-negative acts in both directions.

· Participants are more equal in power, balance of power.

· Primary goal is not to harm.

· Can often be resolved with conflict resolution.

· Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying are one-sided.

· Involves an imbalance of power between the offender and the recipient.

· The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone.

· Motivated by a distinguishing characteristic.

· Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school or the rights of students.