Psychological bullying is similar to playing mind games and can be particularly intimidating for its victim. Malicious rumours are an insidious form of this bullying which attacks a person’s self-image, while hurtful facial looks expressing aggression and/or dislike are more subtle but equally damaging. This type of bullying intended to cause severe emotional distress is more prevalent among girls.

Psychological bullying includes:

Excluding
Isolating
Gossiping
Spreading rumours or lies
Demeaning
Ridiculing
Passing notes or drawings
Writing remarks in public places
Using peer pressure to intimidate
Threatening gestures or looks