Which of the following is NOT a form of bullying?

• A. Physical aggression
• B. Verbal harassment
• C. Social exclusion
• D. Excessive play

Answer: (D)

Bullying involves repeated, intentional harm toward someone with a power imbalance. The common forms—physical aggression and verbal harassment—fit this pattern because they involve direct harm or threats, while social exclusion targets relationships and status to establish dominance. Excessive play, on the other hand, isn’t a standard category of bullying. It can be annoying or problematic if someone dominates activities or ignores boundaries, but it does not by itself reflect the repeated, deliberate harm with a power gap that defines bullying.