Bullying

Definition

Bullying refers to a systematic, repeated behavior over a longer period of time, in which a person is deliberately harassed, excluded, or psychologically pressured. It can occur in various contexts—for example, at work, at school, or online.

 

Characteristics

  • Repetition: These actions are not isolated incidents; they occur regularly.
  • Intent: The aim is to hurt, humiliate, or isolate the person concerned.
  • Imbalance: These situations often involve a power imbalance (e.g., superiors versus employees or a group versus an individual).

 

Forms

  • Verbal attacks (insults, rumors, threats)
  • Social exclusion (ignoring, excluding)
  • Psychological pressure (constant criticism, belittlement)
  • Cyberbullying (via digital channels)

Bullying can cause severe psychological and physical harm. The effects of bullying can manifest in the form of persistent stress, poor concentration, sleep disorders, headaches, shortness of breath, depression, and more.

Bullying can be hidden in conflicts, because both situations appear similar at first.

Here is an overview on how to distinguish between bullying and conflicts: Übersicht zur Unterscheidung von Mobbing und Konflikten (German)

 

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You have experienced bullying?  

Here are suggestions what your next steps could be: First Steps

Here is a list of Support Services that can help you navigate the situation.

  • Consultations are strictly confidential.
  • No measures will be taken without your consent.

 

Have you witnessed bullying or have you been told about incidents of bullying?

As an active bystander you can intervene safely and appropriately to support individuals experiencing discrimination: Tips for Active Bystanders

Teachers are often the first persons students confide in. Here are suggestions on how to navigate these conversations and how to handle difficult situations: Empfehlungen für Lehrende

Managers have specific duties and obligations, if they are made aware of incidents of discrimination. Detailed information and suggestions on how to navigate conversations HERE

Whatever your role may be, documenting incidents and conversations is always reccomended: Template for documenting incidents and conversations

 

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Case studies

Case study: “Anna in her master’s program”

Anna is a master’s student at an Austrian university. She works in a research group and is writing her thesis under Professor X.

Anna is regularly ignored by a small group of fellow students and is not invited to working group meetings. Derogatory comments about her abilities are posted in an internal chat.

During presentations, she is publicly criticized without constructive feedback. Her supervisor does not respond to her complaints and instead gives her additional tasks that have nothing to do with her work.

Due to the lack of involvement and the constant additional tasks, Anna’s progress on her master’s thesis is delayed. Because of the hostile atmosphere at work, Anna suffers from sleep problems and is considering dropping out of her studies.

Characteristics of bullying:

  • Systematic and repeated: The attacks have been going on for months.
  • Power imbalance: Group + professor against an individual.
  • Intent: The goal is to isolate Anna and weaken her position.
  • Consequences: Psychological stress (stress, sleep disorders), negative consequences for her academic career.

 

Case study: “Conflict in the department”

Dr. Maria K. and Thomas L. work in the same department at an Austrian university. Both are research assistants and share an office. Maria has been part of the team for years, while Thomas is new and wants to make a name for himself.

Thomas begins to constantly interrupt Maria at team meetings and dismiss her suggestions as “outdated.” He spreads rumors that Maria did not “develop” her research results herself.

In emails to the institute’s management, he portrays Maria as “uncooperative.” Maria is increasingly excluded from projects she used to lead. Colleagues report that Thomas incites others against Maria (“Working with her is pointless”).

Maria has to constantly defend herself against Thomas’ accusations. She is afraid to take vacation or sick leave for fear of being perceived as “lazy.” The previously good working atmosphere in the department is becoming increasingly tense.

Characteristics of bullying

  • Systematic and repeated: the actions take place over a period of months.
  • Power imbalance: arises because Thomas has good connections with the institute’s management.
  • Intent: the aim is to damage Maria’s reputation and generate personal advantages for his own professional standing.
  • Consequences: psychological stress, negative consequences for her professional career.

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Ressources

The Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer – AK) offers a  detailed checklist and further  information on bullying.

The  Austrian Health Portal also offers information on the topic of  bullying.