MANHATTAN, Kan. – Bullying, once accepted as mere schoolyard horseplay, can become a serious problem when it escalates to physical violence, sometimes becoming lethal.

In many cases, the violence can be stopped before it escalates if others recognize signs of bullying, which is the planned, chronic use of aggression that aims at controlling another person. K-State Research and Extension specialist Elaine Johannes provides the following tips to recognizing bullying:

Warning signs of a bully:

* teases, threatens, kicks others;

* is hot-tempered, impulsive, uncontrolled;

* is aggressive toward adults;

* is tough, shows not sympathy;

* is involved with crime, etc.

Warning signs of a victim:

* comes home with torn, dirty clothing;

* has unexplained cuts, bruises, scratches;

* has few friends;

* seems afraid of school, clubs, etc.;

* doesn’t sleep well, complains of stomach aches.