Healthy Conflict vs. Bullying
What is the difference between conflict and bullying? Conflict with our friends is a normal part of life and our relationships. Bullying is not.
Conflict can be a disagreement or argument between two people. It happens among people who are equal in their friendship. When conflict happens, everyone is able to express their views, and both people are probably upset or feel bad about what happened.
Sometimes, conflict can turn into an argument and a lot of big feelings are involved. Usually, both people want to resolve the conflict and make their friendship better again. They are able to work together to learn how to solve problems.
Bullying is intentionally doing something to hurt, humiliate, or make someone feel bad about themselves. The person who is bullying has or feels like they have more power in the situation. They might be bigger, stronger, older, or have a larger group of friends. The bullying behavior is usually repeated or threatens to happen again, over and over. The person who is being bullied does not feel safe and might feel that they have no control over the situation.
Conflict or Bullying?
Jamal and Marisol are hanging out after school; Jamal wants to play video games, and Marisol wants to go outside. They argue back and forth about the other activity being boring and questioning why they hang out at all. Jamal notices that Marisol is getting sad and apologizes. Marisol apologizes too, and says they can play video games together for 30 minutes if they can go outside for 30 minutes after. They both agree.
Hover or Tap to Get the Answer
This is a Healthy Conflict.
Conflict can be a disagreement or argument between two people. It happens among people who are equal in their friendship. When conflict happens, everyone is able to express their views, and both people are probably upset or feel bad about what happened. Sometimes, conflict can turn into an argument and a lot of big feelings are involved. Usually, both people want to resolve the conflict and make their friendship better again. They are able to work together to learn how to solve problems.
Conflict or Bullying?
Sage posted embarrassing pictures and hurtful messages about Jordan online. Sage told all their friends to like all of the posts. Jordan is hurt and embarrassed.
Hover or Tap to Get the Answer
This is Bullying.
Bullying is intentionally doing something to hurt, humiliate, or make someone feel bad about themselves. The person who is bullying has or feels like they have more power in the situation. They might be bigger, stronger, older, or have a larger group of friends. The bullying behavior is usually repeated or threatens to happen again, over and over. The person who is being bullied does not feel safe and might feel that they have no control over the situation.