communitybullying

Communitybullying describes bullying behavior that takes place within a community context, such as neighborhoods, clubs, religious groups, or online communities connected to a shared identity. It can involve individuals or organized groups and may occur in person or via digital platforms. The goal is to intimidate, exclude, or undermine a targeted person or group.

Forms include direct actions like threats, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, or property damage; and indirect actions such as social exclusion, spreading rumors, shaming, or coordinated gossip. Group dynamics, power imbalances, and cultural norms within a community can sustain or escalate such behaviors, sometimes aided by anonymity or bystander complicity.

Impact can be wide-ranging: victims may experience fear, anxiety, depression, or physical harm; participation in community activities may drop; property values and cohesion can decline; and bystanders may experience distress or pressure to conform. Repeated or systemic bullying can contribute to lasting social division and intergroup tensions.

Prevention and response emphasize prevention, reporting, and community-led interventions. Strategies include education about respectful norms, bystander intervention training, accessible reporting channels, collaboration among schools, local government, law enforcement, and civil society; restorative practices; conflict mediation; and digital literacy to address online harassment.

Research on communitybullying is evolving. Key challenges include varying definitions, measurement difficulties, and cultural context. Effective policy typically combines prevention programs, strong social supports, and clear rights and responsibilities for participants, with ongoing evaluation to adapt to local needs.