<P> As the verb to bully is defined as simply "forcing one's way aggressively or by intimidation", the term may generally apply to any life experience where one is motivated primarily by intimidation instead of by more positive goals, such as mutually shared interests and benefits . As such, any figure of authority or power who may use intimidation as a primary means of motivating others, such as a neighborhood "protection racket don", a national dictator, a childhood ring - leader, a terrorist, a terrorist organization, or even a ruthless business CEO, could rightfully be referred to as a bully . According to psychologist Pauline Rennie - Peyton, we each face the possibility of being bullied in any phase of our lives . </P> <P> Children have been observed bullying anthropomorphic robots designed to assist the elderly . Their attacks start with blocking the robots' paths of movement and then escalate to verbal abuse, hitting and destroying the object . Seventy - five percent of the kids interviewed perceived the robot as "human - like" yet decided to abuse it anyway, while 35% of the kids who beat up the robot actually did so "for enjoyment .". </P> <P> Bullying prevention is the collective effort to prevent, reduce and stop bullying . Many campaigns and events are designated to bullying prevention throughout the world . Bullying prevention campaigns and events include: Anti-Bullying Day, Anti-Bullying Week, International Day of Pink, International STAND UP to Bullying Day and National Bullying Prevention Month . Anti-Bullying laws in the U.S. have also been enacted in 23 of its 50 states, making bullying in schools illegal . </P> <P> Bullying is typically ongoing and not isolated behaviour . Common ways that people try to respond, are to try to ignore it, to confront the bullies or to turn to an authority figure to try and address it . </P>

When do acts of bullying become a crime