Teasing vs. Bullying

GOOD-NATURED TEASING…

• Involves a playful back-and-forth between both parties

• Is accompanied by a friendly tone of voice and laughter

• Is accompanied by affectionate gestures or expressions

• Brings people closer and encourages friendships

• Sometimes helps to lighten a tense or angry situation

• Does not lead to physical confrontations

 

HURTFUL TEASING OR BULLYING…

• May be accompanied by an angry tone of voice

• May be accompanied by angry body language, such as clenched fists

• Continues even when the person being teased shows distress

• Continues even when the person teasing knows the topic is upsetting to others

• Is sometimes accompanied by showing off in front of others

 

THINK FIRST!

Consider the following three areas before engaging in what may seem like good-natured

teasing. If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you may be crossing the line.

 

THE PERSONALITY AND EXPERIENCES OF THE OTHER PERSON

Are you aware that the person has not appreciated teasing in the past?

• Are you aware that certain subjects are touchy for the other person?

• Are you aware of a factor in the other person’s life that may make them especially sensitive to teasing?

 

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND THE OTHER PERSON:

• Is the person a stranger or someone you don’t know very well?

• Do you have a history of social problems with the person?

• Is he or she likely to misunderstand your intentions or sense of humor?

• Are you bigger and/or older than the other person?

•Are there gender, race or other differences between you that may make some topics inappropriate?

 

THE TOPIC OF THE TEASING:

• Is the teasing about identity (race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender)?

• Is the teasing about appearance (body size/shape, complexion, clothing, physical attractiveness)?

• Is the teasing about ability (intelligence, physical strength or skill)?

• Is the teasing about social status (friends, family, class)?

• Does the teasing compare someone with an object or animal in an offensive way?

• Does the teasing have sexual content?