What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat, to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. Bullying has the following three criterias:
(1) Hostile intent, A bully intends to hurt another individual either physically, verbally, mentally or emotionally.
(2) Imbalance of power. Those who usually bully come from a perceived higher position of power, such as those who are bigger, stronger, or perceived to be popular.
(3) Repetition over a period of time, it’s usually a pattern of behaviour rather than an isolated incident.
Types of bullying:
Physical
Any Bullying that hurts someone’s body or damages their possessions. Stealing, shoving, hitting, fighting, and intentionally destroying someone’s property are types of physical bullying.
Verbal
It is one of the most common types of bullying. It consists of the following:
- Derogatory name-calling and nicknaming
- Spreading rumors or lying about someone
- Threatening someone
- Yelling at or talking to someone in a rude or unkind tone of voice, especially without justifiable cause
- Mocking someone’s voice or style of speaking
- Laughing at someone
- Making insults or otherwise making fun of someone
Relational
Relational bullying (sometimes referred to as social aggression) uses relationships to hurt others. It also refers to any bullying done with the intent to hurt somebody’s reputation or social standing. Unlike physical bullying which is obvious, relational bullying is not overt and can continue for a long time without being noticed.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is when bullies use the internet and social media and say things that they might not say in person. This can include sending mean texts, posting insults about someone on Twitter, or making rude comments on their Instagram pictures. Cyberbullies also might post personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.
Mobbing
Mobbing refers to the bullying of an individual by a group, in any context, such as a family, peer group, school, workplace, neighborhood, community, or online.
Studies have shown that envy and resentment may be motives for bullying. Research on the self-esteem of bullies suggests that some bullies are arrogant and narcissistic,whereas some also use bullying as a tool to conceal shame or anxiety or to boost self-esteem: by demeaning others, the abuser feels empowered. People who are prone to abusive behavior tend to have inflated but fragile egos. Because they think too highly of themselves, they are frequently offended by the criticisms and lack of deference of other people, and react to this disrespect with violence and insults.
Bullying can have harmful and long-lasting consequences. Besides the physical effects of bullying, individuals may experience emotional and mental health problems including anxiety and depression that can lead to substance abuse and decreased performance.
How can one help prevent bullying?
- Educate yourself. Once you know what bullying is, you will be able to identify it more easily, and whether it is happening to you or someone else.
- Parents should talk openly and frequently to their children. Parents should talk to their children about bullying, which may help the child open up about their experiences regarding it. Check in with your children daily and ask about their time at school and their activities online, inquiring not only about their classes and activities, but also about their feelings.
- Help your child be a positive role model. There are three parties to bullying: the victim, the perpetrator, and the bystander. Even if children are not victims of bullying, they can prevent bullying by being inclusive, respectful and kind to their peers. If they witness bullying, they can stick up for the victim, offer support, and/or question bullying behaviours.
- Be kind and respectful towards others. You should treat others the way you would like to be treated
- Learning cyber etiquettes. Familiarize yourself with online platforms and learn about the respected and acceptable use of technology. Learning an=bout the maintenance of digital safety and security.
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