According to UNICEF, how can you tell the difference between a joke and bullying?
Frequency: If the comment or behaviour occurs infrequently, it is more likely to be a joke.
Humour: If the comment or behaviour elicits laughter or amusement from others, it is likely a joke.
Duration: If the comment or behaviour is short-lived, it is likely a joke rather than bullying.
Intent: Assess the intention behind the comment or behaviour. A joke is typically meant to be light-hearted and playful, while bullying is intended to harm or hurt someone.
Age: If the comment or behaviour involves younger individuals, it is often dismissed as harmless joking rather than bullying.
Power dynamics: Bullying often involves a power imbalance, where one person uses their dominance or authority to intimidate or harm another person. Jokes, on the other hand, do not necessarily involve a power dynamic.
Consent: Jokes typically involve mutual consent and are understood to be a form of play or entertainment for all parties involved. Bullying lacks the consent of the person being targeted and is intended to cause distress.
Impact: Consider the impact of the comment or behavior on the person targeted. If it causes emotional or physical harm, or if it creates a hostile or unsafe environment, it is likely bullying rather than a joke.
Context: Assess the context in which the comment or behavior occurs. If it happens in a setting where bullying is common or accepted, it may be more likely to be considered bullying. Additionally, if the comment or behavior is targeted towards someone's protected characteristics (such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.), it is more likely to be bullying.
It is important to note that these criteria are not definitive and may vary in different situations or cultural contexts. It is crucial to listen to the person being targeted and take into account their perspective and feelings when determining if something is a joke or bullying.