Foreword
Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their discretion when deciding what to share with their children on this page.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm — whether physical, verbal, emotional, or online — aimed at controlling or hurting someone. It causes deep wounds, but the Bible assures us that each person is precious in God’s eyes.
📖 Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image… male and female he created them.”
Every human being has value and dignity because they are made in the image of God.
Types of bullying
1. Physical Bullying
This involves hurting someone’s body or possessions. Examples include:
- Hitting, kicking, or pushing
- Tripping or spitting
- Taking or breaking someone’s belongings
- Making rude or threatening gestures
2. Verbal Bullying
This involves saying or writing mean things. Examples include:
- Teasing or name-calling
- Insults or put-downs
- Threatening to cause harm
- Inappropriate sexual comments
3. Social or Relational Bullying
This targets someone’s relationships or reputation. Examples include:
- Excluding someone on purpose
- Spreading rumours
- Embarrassing someone in public
- Telling others not to be friends with someone
4. Cyberbullying
This takes place online or through digital devices. Examples include:
- Sending hurtful messages or threats
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos
- Spreading rumours on social media
- Impersonating someone to cause harm
See more on our Cyberbullying page.
5. Prejudicial Bullying
This targets people based on race, religion, gender, disability, or sexuality. Examples include:
- Racist or sexist remarks
- Harassment based on religious beliefs
- Bullying someone for being LGBTQ+
6. Sexual Bullying
This includes harmful, humiliating actions that are sexual in nature. Examples include:
- Unwanted physical contact
- Inappropriate sexual comments
- Sharing sexual images without consent
- Sexual name-calling
7. Parental or Adult Bullying
Though less discussed, bullying can come from adults, such as:
- Constant criticism or humiliation
- Manipulation or gaslighting
- Controlling behaviour or intimidation
Bullying: A Christian Response
Bullying is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. As Christians, we are called to stand against bullying, speak out for the vulnerable, and offer healing through God’s love and truth.
God Cares for the Hurting
God sees those who are mistreated and promises to be their refuge.
📖 Psalm 9:9
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
📖 Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If you are being bullied, know that you are not alone — God is with you, and there is help and hope.
What Does the Bible Say About How We Treat Others?
God calls us to treat everyone with kindness, love, and respect.
📖 Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
📖 Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Standing Up Against Bullying
Christians are called to defend the weak and stand for justice.
📖 Proverbs 31:8–9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
- If you see bullying: Speak up, support the person being hurt, and tell a trusted adult or leader.
- If you are being bullied: Tell someone you trust. You are not to blame, and you deserve to be safe and supported.
Forgiveness and Healing
Forgiveness doesn’t mean allowing abuse to continue, but it does mean letting go of bitterness and trusting God for justice and healing.
📖 Romans 12:17–18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
God brings healing from emotional pain. He understands your wounds and can restore your heart.
Reflection
Have you been affected by bullying? How can you reflect God’s love in how you treat others and how you respond?
Prayer
Lord,
thank You that You see and care for those who are hurting. Heal the wounds caused by bullying and give courage to stand for what is right. Help me to love others as You have loved me.
Amen.
| John 14:27 | Matthew 5:43-45 |
| 1 Peter 5:6-7 | Proverbs 18:10 |
Children bullied because of faith
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2008/nov/17/bullying-faith
Adult / Parents/ Guardians Links
Bullying and harassment in charities: charity and employment law responsibilities https://www.farrer.co.uk/news-and-insights/bullying-and-harassment-in-charities-charity-and-employment-law-responsibilities
Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org
Governors For Schools https://governorsforschools.org.uk/learning-and-events/campaigns/boards-against-bullying/anti-bullying-organisations
Internet Watch Foundation https://www.iwf.org.uk/about-us
Baptists Together Supporting those who have experienced abuse https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/330137/Supporting_those_who.aspx
Film& TV Charity https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/problems-at-work/bullying-and-harassment
Mental Health For Wales
Youth Links
Safer Internet https://saferinternet.org.uk
Young Minds https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Alumina https://www.selfharm.co.uk
NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk
CEOP Education https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk
Kidscape https://www.kidscape.org.uk
Anti-bullying Alliance https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Children Society https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do
Childline https://www.childline.org.uk
National Bullying Helpline https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/contact.html
Teens Health https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/warning-signs
For Those Outside The UK
Australia -The Australian Human Rights https://humanrights.gov.au
Alanta – Alatnta Childcare Education Institute https://www.cceionline.com/types-of-bullying-how-to-recognize-and-stop-bullying-in-the-classroom-2/#:~:text=The%20four%20most%20common%20types,verbal%2C%20relational%2C%20and%20cyberbullying.
USA – Stop bullying GOV https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/warning-signs
Los Angeles Pacer https://www.pacer.org/bullying/
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