Verbal Bullying

Verbal forms of bullying occur when someone is repeatedly saying or writing mean things intended to hurt, embarrass, humiliate, or threaten another person. This type of bullying is emotionally abusive. 

Examples Of Verbal Bullying  

  • Name-Calling & insulting someone to humiliate them or make them feel bad  
  • Teasing such as making fun of a person’s appearance, abilities, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status
  • Putdowns and sarcasm intended to bring self-esteem or confidence down such as making them feel unnecessarily guilty or ashamed
  • Communication using phones or social media to terrify, threaten, or repeatedly harass someone. (A.R.S. § 13-2916) 
     

Is Verbal Bullying a Crime?

Arizona does not have a specific criminal offense called "verbal bullying." However, certain actions associated with verbal bullying may violate state laws depending on the circumstances and severity of the conduct.

  • Threats and Intimidation are using words or conduct to threaten physical injury to another person or serious damage to their property.  (A.R.S. § 13-1202)
  • Harassment is knowingly and repeatedly engaging in acts or communications that alarm, annoy, or humiliate a person with no legitimate purpose. (A.R.S. § 13-2921)
  • Disorderly Conduct is using abusive or offensive language in public in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation.  
    (A.R.S. § 13-2904)

Verbal bullying may also be violating other state and education laws  (A.R.S. § 15-341) which are aimed at prohibiting students from “harassing, intimidating, and bullying” other students on school grounds, on school property, on school buses, at school bus stops, at school-sponsored events and activities. 

Resources

Teens who need to talk about their problems with a teen who understand what they are going through can call Teen Lifeline 24/7 at (602) 248-TEEN (8336) or (800) 248-TEEN for free and confidential help.

Other resources could be trusted by adults: teacher, parent, legal guardian, neighbor, coach, counselor, SRO, etc.