Teasing vs.Taunting

Teasing:

When someone teases another person it is usually done between friends. It’s more of a joking comment and there is no intention of hurting others feelings. The laughter is with the person not at the person, and the moment they realize that what they said hurt their friends feelings they stop immediately.

This is not bullying because there is no imbalance of power, no intent to harm and no threat of further aggression.

Taunting:

When someone taunts another person it is intended to hurt their feelings, they want to take the other persons dignity and self esteem away, the moment they realize that what they are saying is hurting the other persons feelings, they don’t stop- They do it over, and over again.

This is bullying because all 3 indicators of bullying are present- there is an imbalance of power, intended to harm and a threat of further aggression.