BULLYINGrnBullying meaning
Bullying means a behaviour which someone uses to hurt another both physically and mentally. Bullying at its basic form is when someone is picked on by a person or group called bullies, because of one being different. This behaviour happens when there is real or perceived power over another.rnThis arrogant behaviour when repeated will have a long-lasting physiological impact on both persons. Bully is defined as those who abuse, make fun of, aggressively dominate or intimidate others based on
race or religionrn how one looksrn how someone actsrn social and economic statusrn sexual orientation
Bullies will make fun of anyone who they think don't fit in or be different from themselves. The bullies generally use their power whether it be physical strength, seniority, popularity, access to private information, to control or harm others.
rnTYPES OF BULLYING
The behaviour is categorised into four depending on how, when and where one forces power over the other.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is harassment over the internet executed through digital devices like computers, laptops, smartphones. Cyberbullying generally occurs include social media, YouTube, gaming platforms, and chat rooms where the audience is not confined, and people can view and participate in the sharing of content.rnThe different types of Cyberbullying involve
Posting hateful comments on the internetrn Spreading humiliating rumours\factsrn Posting private information about another individualrn Issuing online threats and provoking them to hurt themselves
Verbal bullying
Verbal bullying is saying something uses verbal language to gain power over his or her peers. mean things. Verbal bullying is very serious as when allowed to prolong over long periods of time will destroy a child’s self-perception and self-esteem. This can lead to depression, anxiety and other deep physiological problemsrnThe different types of Verbal bullying include:
Name-callingrn Teasingrn Tauntingrn Inappropriate sexual commentsrn Threatening to cause harm
rnSocial bullying
Social bullying is hurting someone’s reputation or relationship as it humiliates and damages someone socially. Social bullying is often carried out behind the back of the person who is being bullied and is often harder to recognize.rnThe different types of Social bullying include:
Lying and spreading fake rumours about someonern Leaving someone out and encouraging others to do the samern Damaging someone's social reputation or social acceptancern Socially excluding someone online, posting negative commentsrn Humiliating one with nicknames and continuing when asked to stop
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rnPhysical bullying
Physical bullying is using one’s body and physical bodily acts to exert power over others. Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Unlike social and verbal bullying, the effects of physical bullying can be easier to identify and is the easiest to stop.
Physical bullying includes:
Causing physical harm by hitting/punching/ kickingrn Degrading someone by spitting, slapping, tearing clothesrn Taking or breaking someone’s personal possessionrn Making inappropriate or rude hand gestures
EFFECTS OF BULLYING
Bullying and its effects are not just limited to those who are bullied but also those who bully, and those who witness bullying. The degree with which its effects each of them is different. Bullying if allowed to continue or failed to stop it will lead to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health.rnThe physiological impacts of bullying may lead to varying mental health issues like anger, drugs or substance abuse, and even suicide in extreme cases. In most cases, the victims of bullying will resort to bully behaviour as a form of defiance or sharing of their sufferings.rnTherefore, it is important to have an open dialogue not just with kids to stop bullying in school but also with the family.rnBullying is normally the result of the various underlying issues that one has faced throughout their life. Bullying alone is not the cause of suicide among kids but there are many underlying issues that contribute towards the suicide risk.
Mental health issues created as a result of depression, problems at home, medications and trauma history could also contribute to suicide and other extreme behaviours.rnThis health risk increases when one doesn’t speak on the issues, he/ she faces or not getting support from parents, peers, and schools.
rnWho Are Bullied
The ones who are bullied suffer the most and its impact can last a lifetime. This negative experience will lead to various mental health issues which might lead to extreme behaviour.
The ones who are bullied might retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.rnThe one who is bullied are more likely to experience:
Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, loneliness, increased feelings of sadness, self-harm and changes in sleep and eating patterns, and these issues may creep into adulthood.
Loss of interest in personal and social activities that one previously enjoyed.
Physical Health issuesrn A decrease in academic performance leading to lower GPA and standardized test scores.
Lack of participation in school events.
likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
rnWho Bully Others
The ones who bully others can also carry on the violent and other extreme behaviours into their adulthood. The bully is also imitating certain behaviour he/she has experienced in the past.rnThe ones who bully others are more likely to:
Become victims of alcohol abuse, prescription or illegal drugs from adolescence to life.
Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
Have poor academic performancern Engage in early sexual activityrn Drop out of school, get into fights, vandalize and damage propertyrn Be abusive toward their spouses, friends, partners, children and adults
rnBystanders
The ones who look away don’t want to get involved or be in a situation, taking a walk from the situation only helps the bully or bullies. Bystanders provide bullies with an audience, and often actually encourage bullying.rnThe bystanders don’t want to take the responsibility and address the issue or report the incident to superiors or senior authorities out of fear becoming victims of bullies.rnThe one who witnesses bullying are more likely to:
Have increased chances of adopting bully behaviourrn Be scared and miss or skip school out of fear of being bulliedrn Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
rnPREVENTIVE MEASURES
Learning about bullying, its impact and what one can do if you are the victim or a bystander is the most important step. Friends, parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a very important role to play in preventing bullying.
Creating awareness through classes, talking about what bullying is and how to stand up to it bullies safely. Educating kids that bullying is unacceptable from an early age will help them carry these values throughout their life. Making sure the kids know how to get help is as important as teaching them about bullies.rnHaving an open dialogue with students and creating trust through open communication. Listen and check in with kids often as a friend would definitely help in reducing the barrier. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns.
Understanding and supporting kids do what they love would help them to take their mind of problems they might be facing. Encouraging special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behaviour.
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