Banter or bullying? Scientists examine fine social line

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University found that playful banter often blurs the line with bullying, as many people have difficulty distinguishing harmless teasing from offensive behavior. Their study highlights specific sensitive topics to avoid and emphasizes the need for context awareness to prevent banter from escalating into exclusion or harm.

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have examined the complex boundary between friendly banter and bullying, highlighting how easily well-intentioned teasing can be misinterpreted. Their findings, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, emphasize that many people struggle to distinguish playful ribbing from harmful behavior.

The study identified a range of sensitive topics that should generally be avoided to prevent causing offense. These include politics, religion, physical appearance, accents, unwanted sexual experiences, and recent losses such as family members or pets. According to the researchers, when used appropriately, banter can foster social bonds, alleviate boredom, and signal group status without negative impact.

Gender differences in the usage of banter were noted. Men tend to engage in this form of communication more frequently, often as a way to assert masculinity, strengthen friendships, and elevate their self-esteem. Women, in contrast, use banter strategically to counteract sexism, reduce stress, and deepen personal connections.

The study also uncovered informal "rules of engagement" guiding banter exchanges. Participants generally take turns in delivering remarks, with the volume or intensity of the remarks often increasing gradually. Frequent repetition, however, may lead to what the authors term “banter fatigue,” which can cause irritation or diminish the social benefits.

Key indicators of banter rather than aggression include shared laughter, the tone used, and direct, blunt comments delivered without softening language. Nevertheless, the researchers caution that not all banter is perceived positively. When directed toward individuals outside a close-knit friendship group or used repeatedly, it can serve to exclude others, foster toxic environments, or escalate into bullying.

The study underscores the importance of awareness and sensitivity when engaging in banter, calling for consideration of context and audience to ensure interactions remain supportive rather than harmful.

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