Shouting and throwing things isn’t bullying, it’s just bad manners

Of course it’s bad to persecute people, says Rod Liddle. But bullying has now become the latest politically correct public sector growth industry

My Concise Oxford Dictionary defines ‘bullying’ in the following terms: ‘to persecute or oppress by force or threats’. The charity at the centre of this latest furore about the Prime Minister, the National Bullying Helpline, meanwhile describes it thus, on its introductory webpage: Stress. Bullying. Workplace stress and anti-bullying advice for adults. Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying help for kids. Bullying help at Work. Anti-bullying in Schools. Anti-bullying in the Community. Bullying in schools. Domestic violence. Cyberbullying. Stalking. Redundancy. Bullying & Harassment Investigations. Workplace Investigations. Grievance. Disciplinary. Discrimination. Dismissal. Suspension. Mediation. Abuse in the Workplace. Stress. Work-related stress. Health and Safety at Work. Downsizing. Change Management. Leadership training. ACAS Code of Practice. Bullying in the playground and in the classroom. Mobile and text bullying. Dangerous websites. Happy Slapping. Facebook bullying.