BullyingSucks.co.uk

Fri 9th Jan 2009

What is bullying and harrassment?

Bullying or intimidation is offensive behaviour that humiliates or undermines an individual or a group.
Such behaviour can be vindictive, cruel or malicious and may be repetitive.
An individual or group of individuals can carry out bullying.
It often involves the abuse of seniority of position or status within the University and it may take many forms.
It can include sexual, racial or homophobic harassment or harassment on the grounds of age, disability or religion.
It may also include harassment related to membership of a legitimate organisation such as a club or society.

More information

Bullying is often unpredictable, irrational and unseen by others. Bullies find many ways to harass in an effort to wear people down. Examples of intimidating behaviour include verbal, non-verbal or physical bullying (some of these examples are more applicable to lecturers, although examples of this kind of behaviour in any relationship can be construed as being of a bullying nature):

Verbal

Shouting and/or swearing
'Telling off' students in front of others or in private
Belittling or criticising students in front of others
Using an insulting and/or offensive tone

Non-verbal

Excessive supervision without due explanation
Imposing unrealistic workloads and deadlines
Persistently ignoring an individual
Refusing to delegate because of lack of trust
Restricting access to communication facilities
Blaming others for one's own shortcomings
Making students appear incompetent
Taking credit for other people's ideas and/or work
Not giving credit where it is due
Misusing student feedback
Sending threatening messages, including using e-mail
Failing to address allegations of harassment, bullying or intimidation by students