FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How can bullying be defined?

1. Influencing someone through education

2. Using strength or status to intimidate another person

3. A friendly rivalry between peers

4. Showcasing leadership skills

The correct answer is: Using strength or status to intimidate another person

The definition of bullying involves the use of power, strength, or social status to intimidate or harm another individual. This behavior often manifests in various forms, such as verbal, physical, relational, or cyberbullying, and it typically occurs repeatedly over time. The key aspect of bullying is the imbalance of power; the person who bullies exerts control over the victim, which can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress for the targeted individual. In contrast, the other options do not align with the established definition of bullying. Influencing someone through education suggests a positive and constructive interaction, while a friendly rivalry denotes competition in a respectful and mutual manner without the intent to harm. Showcasing leadership skills generally applies to guiding or inspiring others positively and lacks the element of intimidation or coercion intrinsic to bullying behavior. This distinction is important in recognizing bullying as a harmful act rather than a benign or constructive interaction.