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The multitude and variation of the above-mentioned

definitions may leave someone with a vague idea as to what bullying really is.

Therefore, it is just as essential to clarify what it is not:
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- Individual episodes of social rejection or dislike,

- Individual malicious acts,

- Accidental acts of aggression or intimidation,

- Mutual disagreements and conflicts.

These actions can cause great discomfort. However, they do not constitute

examples of bullying, unless they are intentional and repeated.
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Characteristics of bullying

In order to use the term bullying, there should also be an imbalance in strength

(an asymmetric power relationship): the student who is exposed to the negative

actions has difficulty in defending him/herself and is somewhat helpless against the

student or students who harass.

Bullying can be carried out by a single individual—the bully—or by a group.
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The target of bullying can also be a single individual—the victim—or a group. In the

context of school bullying, the target has usually been a single student.

One might add that the bullying behavior often occurs without apparent

provocation.

Bullying is a group phenomenon that involves many parties (Smyrnaiou), such
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as:

- The perpetrator,

- The victim,

- The by-standers,
- The teachers,

- The parents. 16

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