Bullying has become an increasingly challenging issue in today’s society. While it is easy to assume it exists only in certain environments, the reality is that it often happens right under our noses—in schools, on playgrounds, in sports settings, and even within our own communities. As parents, guardians, teachers, and coaches, it is important to understand not only what bullying is, but also the impact it has on children and what we can do to prevent it. What Is Bullying? A bully is typically defined as someone who seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce another person perceived as vulnerable. Bullying can take many forms—hurtful teasing, repeated name-calling, exclusion, threats, or physical intimidation. A key element in bullying is a perceived imbalance of power—whether physical, social, or emotional—between the aggressor and the child being targeted. Bullying often begins at a young age. A child’s appearance, abilities, background, hobbies, or even small personal differences c...