What Is Bullying?
Understanding what what bullying is, what bullying isn’t, how to spot the difference, and the steps to take when you see bullying.
by Zack Ryle
We have all heard of the term bullying. When you hear the word, your mind goes to a specific scenario. Maybe it is the prototypical scene of someone stuffed in a locker, or maybe it is a group of students whispering as you walk down the hallway. We all know that those are forms of bullying, and they should not be tolerated.
At US Equestrian, we want to make sure that our members know what bullying is, what bullying isn’t, how to spot the difference, and the steps to take when you see bullying.
The above scenarios are obvious to most, but would you be able to spot bullying if it happened in your barn, in the ring, or anywhere in between?
We must first start by asking a question: What is bullying?
The USEF Safe Sport Policy states that bullying behavior is repeated and/or severe behavior(s) that are aggressive, directed at a minor, and intended or likely to hurt, control, or diminish the minor emotionally, physically, or sexually. (Bullying-like behaviors directed at adults are addressed under other forms of misconduct, such as hazing and/or harassment.)
While it is good to know the technical terms, the policy also breaks down some categories of examples to make it easier to know if something is bullying in the equestrian world.
Examples of bullying behavior may include, without limitation, repeated and/or severe
- Physical
- Hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, strangling, slapping, spitting at, or throwing objects (such as sporting equipment) at another person
- Verbal
- Ridiculing, taunting, name-calling, intimidating, or threatening to cause someone harm
- Social media, including cyberbullying
- Use of rumors or false statements about someone to diminish that person’s reputation; using electronic communications, social media, or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate, or humiliate someone; socially excluding someone and asking others to do the same
- Criminal conduct
- Bullying behavior includes any conduct described as bullying under federal or state law.
US Equestrian does not condone behavior that constitutes bullying, and is here to support all members if they experience it. If you have experienced or witnessed an action that you believe meets the above stated standards, please reach out to our office by visiting usef.org/safe-sport/reporting and scrolling down to Report Non-Sexual Misconduct.
While it is important to know what bullying is, it is equally important to know what bullying isn’t. That line can be thin, but we want to help you know when something isn’t bullying.
Bullying does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team-building, or appropriate discipline.
Conduct that does not rise to the level of bullying includes rude behavior (inadvertently saying or doing something hurtful), mean actions (purposefully saying or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a pattern of behavior), actions arising from conflict or struggle between persons who perceive they have incompatible views and/or positions, conflicts arising from business disputes (e.g., horse sales, boarding fees), or social media comments/posts directed towards an adult.
Just because these actions do not constitute bullying, it doesn’t mean that they do not cause harm. Next steps could include
- Go to a trusted adult.
- Find more information at stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now.
- Schedule a visit with a therapist.
USEF members get up to three free visits with a mental health professional. For more information, visit usef.org/safe-sport/mental-health-resources.
Bullying is not just an equestrian problem. It is much bigger than us, but that doesn’t mean it is hopeless. Our goal is to equip our athletes, their support networks, and those in the equestrian world to know what is and isn’t bullying, how to report behavior that is bullying, and how to help those being bullied. Our athletes deserve a bully-free environment.