Definition
Bullying is behaviour which is intended to harm or threaten someone. It will often involve multiple incidents which have taken place over a period of time. Usually, but not always, the person doing the bullying would have some power or authority over the other person, but this is not always the case.
Harassment is when someone (deliberately or not) behaves in a way which upsets, intimidates or humiliates someone else. Harassment is often characterised by repeated examples of unwanted behaviour or doing things which create an uncomfortable atmosphere for someone.
Bullying and harassment can be physical, verbal, direct, indirect, online or in person, or through other channels.
Some types of harmful behaviour which could be bullying or harassment include:
- unkind, disrespectful, critical remarks
- shouting at, being sarcastic, ridiculing or demeaning others
- constantly picking, criticising or reviewing behaviour or work
- excluding someone from group activities or communications
- unwanted touching even just 'minor' contact
- making someone the target of jokes or pranks
- discriminatory or derogatory remarks about any protected characteristic someone has (or has a relationship to)
- threatening physical behaviour, violence or sexual assault.
University support for students
Report & Support is a disclosure site, which allow students to inform the University of incidents including bullying and harassment.
You can report anonymously, or you can request to speak to an advisor, who is a trained member of the Welfare team,
to discuss your disclosure and options, this will be in line with University's privacy statement and does not instigate the start of formal complaint. Our Counselling, Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service is also available if you need support with your mental health or wellbeing.
to discuss your disclosure and options, this will be in line with University's privacy statement and does not instigate the start of formal complaint. Our Counselling, Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service is also available if you need support with your mental health or wellbeing.
External Support
If you need help with your mental health, SHOUT provides text-based crisis support. Text SHOUT to 85258. You can also call the Greater Manchester NHS Mental Health Helpline available 24/7 on 0800 953 0285.