Psychological bullying is behavior intended to cause emotional harm, fear, humiliation, or distress to another person. Unlike physical bullying, psychological bullying relies on words, actions, manipulation, intimidation, or social exclusion to negatively affect a person's mental and emotional well-being.
Examples of Psychological Bullying
• Gaslighting
• Threats or intimidation
• Spreading false rumors
• Isolating someone from social groups
• Repeated verbal insults or humiliation
• Manipulating or controlling another person through fear or embarrassment
Is Psychological Bullying a Crime?
Although Arizona does not have a specific crime called "psychological bullying," several laws may apply when bullying behavior crosses legal boundaries.
Harassment (A.R.S. § 13-2921): A person may commit harassment if they repeatedly contact, communicate with, or follow another person in a manner intended to harass, annoy, or alarm them. This can include repeated unwanted messages, threats, or other conduct that causes substantial emotional distress.
Threatening or Intimidating (A.R.S. § 13-1202): It is illegal to threaten physical injury, serious property damage, or actions intended to terrorize another person. Even if no physical violence occurs, threats designed to create fear violate Arizona law.
Resources
The effects of psychological bullying may include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional distress, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from social activities.
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 if you need free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support.