What is tease and denial?

Teasing someone can sometimes result in "tease denial," which occurs when someone claims they were only teasing but continues to engage in the same harmful or harassing behavior. This is a form of gaslighting, which is a type of psychological abuse in which someone tries to make someone else doubt their own memory, perception, or judgment.

When someone engages in tease denial, they are trying to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and shifting the blame onto the person they are teasing. They may claim they were "only joking" or that the person they are teasing is "too sensitive." This can have a devastating impact on the person being teased, as it can make them feel like they are not being taken seriously and that their feelings do not matter.

Teasing can sometimes cross the line into harassment or abuse, especially when it is repeated, hurtful, or makes someone feel unsafe or uncomfortable. If you or someone you know is experiencing teasing or harassment, there are resources available to help. You can talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor, or you can call a helpline or text a crisis hotline. You do not have to suffer alone.