The Echo Movement - A Nonprofit Against Bullying

Sibling Bullying

The Hidden Abuse Within Families

While often dismissed as harmless rivalry, sibling bullying is a serious and widespread issue that can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being.

The Echo Movement aims to shed light on this often-overlooked form of abuse and advocate for early recognition and intervention.

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Sibling bullying is often dismissed as harmless rivalry

What is sibling bullying?

Sibling bullying is far more than “normal rivalry.” It’s a form of abuse—repeated, targeted, and harmful.

“Sibling bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behaviour(s) by a sibling that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated; bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted sibling, including physical, psychological, or social harm.”

Key characteristics of sibling bullying:

  • Power Imbalance: One sibling holds physical, emotional, or social power over the other..
  • Repetition: The behavior happens repeatedly—or is intended to.
  • Harmful Impact: It causes distress, whether it’s physical injury, emotional trauma, or social isolation.
  • Not Just “Sibling Rivalry”: This is patterned behavior that crosses the line into abuse.

— Wolke, Tippett, & Dantchev, 2015, p. 918

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Did You Know?

Relational bullying, as opposed to physical bullying, has the greatest effect on student academic motivation.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

How Common Is Sibling Bullying?

Sibling bullying is far more common than many realize, affecting children and families across the United States:

  • 31.2% of children report being involved in sibling bullying:
  • Physical aggression (e.g., hitting, shoving)
  • Verbal abuse (e.g., insults, threats)
  • Emotional manipulation (e.g., exclusion, spreading rumors)

What may seem like typical sibling conflict can actually cross into harmful, repetitive patterns of abuse.

The Long-Term Impact of Sibling Bullying

The effects of sibling bullying don’t end in childhood—they can follow individuals well into adolescence and adulthood:

  • Children bullied by siblings several times a week experience significantly higher rates of:
  • Sibling bullying has been linked to psychotic symptoms in adolescence—affecting not only the victims but also bullies and bully-victims.
  • Victims often struggle with:

Why Does Sibling Bullying Happen?

Certain family environments and parenting practices increase the likelihood of sibling bullying:

  • It is more prevalent in households with:

Recognizing these risk factors is key to preventing sibling bullying before it causes long-term harm.

Prevention Starts at Home

Sibling bullying is preventable, and parents play a crucial role in addressing and stopping it:

  • Know the signs: Bullying involves an imbalance of power and repeated harm—not just sibling rivalry.
  • Foster communication: Encourage open, honest dialogue between siblings and with parents.
  • Seek support: If a child shows signs of emotional distress due to sibling conflict, consulting a mental health professional can make a meaningful difference.
  • Educate the family: Family-based education and intervention programs are proven to reduce both the occurrence and impact of sibling bullying.
  • StopBullying.gov – What is Bullying?
  • PubMed
  • UNH SAARA – Sibling Abuse and Bullying

Let’s Break the Cycle

No child should feel unsafe in their own home.

By recognizing sibling bullying as a serious issue—not just a normal part of growing up—we can intervene earlier, heal more effectively, and create healthier family dynamics for future generations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sibling bullying, we’re here to help.

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Is It Sibling Bullying?

Download: Parent Checklist for Identifying Sibling Bullying

It’s not always easy to tell when sibling conflict crosses the line into bullying.

Many families struggle to recognize the signs — especially when the behavior seems like “normal” rivalry. But sibling bullying is real, and it can have serious long-term effects on a child’s emotional and mental health.

To help, we’ve created a simple, printable Parent Checklist that guides you through key warning signs across four areas:

  • Behavior Patterns – like physical aggression or emotional manipulation
  • Power Imbalance – where one child dominates or intimidates the other
  • Frequency & Impact – including signs of anxiety, withdrawal, or fear
  • Family Environment – such as ongoing conflict or lack of supervision
Download PDF

Learn more about toxic sibling relationships from Dr. Ramani

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Frequently Asked Questions on Sibling Bullying

Sibling bullying can have profound and lasting impacts on mental health. A longitudinal study found that adolescents who experienced repeated sibling bullying between ages 11 and 14 exhibited higher levels of psychological distress, increased self-harm behaviors, and lower self-esteem by age 17.

Learn more about the impact that bullying has on mental health.

Sibling bullying: A longitudinal study of associations with psychiatric distress and self-harm (NIH PMC)

Bullying typically encompasses three core elements:

  1. Power Imbalance: The perpetrator holds more power, whether through age, size, or social status.
  2. Repetition: The negative behavior occurs repeatedly over time.
  3. Intent to Harm: The actions are deliberate with the intention to cause distress or harm.

In sibling dynamics, these elements can manifest as one sibling consistently dominating or belittling another, leading to significant emotional harm.

Sibling Rivalry or Sibling Bullying: When Does It Cross the Line and What Can Be Done? (Dr. Rachel Glik)

Addressing sibling bullying involves several steps:

  • Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate assertively about unacceptable behaviors.
  • Seek Support: Talk to trusted adults or professionals about the situation.
  • Document Incidents: Keep a record of bullying instances to identify patterns and provide evidence if needed.
  • Professional Help: Consider family therapy to address underlying issues and improve communication.

These systemic issues create an environment where bullying behaviors can thrive if not addressed.

How to Deal with a Brother or Sister Who Bullies You (Childline Ireland)

A toxic sibling relationship is characterized by behaviors that are consistently harmful, manipulative, or abusive. Signs include:

  • Manipulation: Using guilt or deceit to control.
  • Lack of Support: Undermining achievements or providing no emotional support.
  • Consistent Negativity: Regularly criticizing or belittling.

Such relationships can lead to long-term emotional distress and may require setting firm boundaries or seeking professional guidance.

What is a Toxic Sibling Relationship and How Do You Know If Your Sibling is Toxic? (The Center • A Place of Hope)

Sibling bullying is more common than often recognized. Research indicates that up to 40% of children experience sibling bullying weekly, making it a widespread issue that can have significant psychological effects if unaddressed.

Bullying in the family: Sibling bullying (ResearchGate)