Physical bullying is a form of bullying that involves using physical force or aggressive actions to hurt, frighten, control, or humiliate another person. It may also involve damaging or taking another person’s belongings. Physical bullying can cause bodily injuries, emotional distress, and fear of attending school or participating in activities.
Examples of physical bullying:
• Hitting, punching, kicking, or slapping someone
• Pushing, shoving, or tripping someone
• Spitting on someone
• Pinching, scratching, or pulling someone’s hair
• Blocking someone’s path or physically restraining them
• Taking, hiding, or destroying someone’s belongings
• Throwing objects at someone
• Using physical force to take money, food, or other property
Is physical bullying a crime?
Arizona does not have a specific criminal offense called “physical bullying.” However, physical bullying may violate several Arizona laws depending on the conduct, the injuries caused, the ages of the people involved, and whether a weapon was used.
Assault (A.R.S. § 13-1203)
A person may not commit assault by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. Assault may also include intentionally making someone reasonably fear immediate physical injury or knowingly touching someone with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke them. Hitting, kicking, shoving, or spitting on another person may qualify as assault.
Aggravated Assault (A.R.S. § 13-1204)
An assault may become aggravated assault when it causes serious or substantial physical injury, involves a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, occurs while the victim is physically restrained, or meets certain other circumstances listed in Arizona law. An adult who assaults a child under fifteen may also face aggravated assault charges.
Threatening or Intimidating (A.R.S. § 13-1202)
Threatening to physically injure someone or seriously damage their property may violate Arizona law. A person does not have to carry out the threat for the conduct to potentially qualify as threatening or intimidating.
Disorderly Conduct (A.R.S. § 13-2904)
Fighting, violent behavior, or seriously disruptive conduct intended to disturb another person’s peace may qualify as disorderly conduct.
Criminal Damage (A.R.S. § 13-1602)
Recklessly damaging, defacing, or tampering with another person’s property may qualify as criminal damage. This could include intentionally breaking a student’s phone, damaging their backpack, or destroying other personal belongings as part of bullying.
Physical bullying in Arizona schools:
Arizona law requires school districts to create and enforce policies that prohibit students from harassing, intimidating, or bullying other students (A.R.S. § 15-341). These policies must include confidential reporting procedures, investigation requirements, disciplinary procedures, and protections for students who are physically harmed. When appropriate, schools must also have procedures for contacting emergency medical services or law enforcement.
Resources:
Students experiencing physical bullying should report it to a trusted adult, teacher, school counselor, principal, or parent. If someone is in immediate danger or has been seriously injured, call 911.
Teens who need free and confidential support can contact Teen Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting (602) 248-TEEN (8336). Calls are also accepted at (800) 248-TEEN.
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 for free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support.