Bullying: The Hidden Epidemic That Destroys Lives
Half a century ago, bullying was limited to acts of physical aggression against the weak. It was prevalent then. It has only gotten worse since then. Like a virus that has adapted against the immune system, bullying has adapted. Traditional solutions do not work anymore.
Some People do not understand how much society is affected by the negative effects of bullying. The numbers show us. One out of every five (20.2%) students report being bullied. (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2019 ). Students who are both targets of bullying and engage in bullying behavior are at greater risk for both mental health and behavior problems than students who only bully or are only bullied. (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). You can check those documents for more numbers.
What is Bullying?
Bullying as defined by the National Centre Against Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, and social behavior that intends to cause physical, social, and psychological harm.
Throughout history, there have been cases of the strong overpowering the weak. There are numerous examples in historical texts. Often, it is to ascertain dominance or superiority over other species. Bullying can be classified as a baser form of racism. Racism is limited to a sub-group. Bullying is more general.
The problem while dealing with bullying is everyone sees it as a normal part of life. Few people ever want to interfere. And in most cases, the victims are left wondering what they did to deserve this. The trauma of the bullied goes on to their later years and affects their lives.
The Evolution of Bullying
During the initial stages of bullying, acts were only physical aggression. Bullying became more verbal and psychological. Bullies started using facial expressions and social stigmatization to perform this terrible act.
Like almost all other aspects of life, bullying has also become possible online. Hate tweets, trolling, Malicious comments, and hacking are many of the numerous options now available to Bullies. One notable feature of online bullying is the ability to remain anonymous. This feature makes it difficult to make any headway when dealing with bullying.
While social media allows us to connect to friends and family worldwide, it also has disadvantages. It is easy to get personal and even contact information about strangers online. Bullies are now able to strike at unsuspecting individuals while retaining their anonymity.
Types of Bullying
Physical bullying
Physical bullying usually involves the use of physical aggression to induce pain in a victim repeatedly.
Social bullying
Social bullying, sometimes referred to as covert bullying, is often harder to recognize and can be carried out behind the bullied person’s back. It is designed to harm someone’s social reputation and cause humiliation. It can include lying and spreading rumors, menacing or contemptuous looks, and playing nasty jokes to embarrass and humiliate.
Psychological bullying
Psychological bullying can be defined as any intentional and purposeful mental abuse. People have many reasons for bullying others, including personal gain, vengeance, and self-esteem issues. Those who endure psychological bullying have emotional problems that can linger for many years after the abuse happens.
Effects of Bullying
Everyone is affected by bullying: the bullied, the bullies, and the bystanders. People who are bullied are more likely to have mental health issues that include depression and thoughts of suicide, though it is not the only cause of suicide.
The bystanders deal with some guilt and self-hate for not interfering. They are more likely to have an increased intake of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
The bullies are also not left without some scars. Many bullies go on to live lives filled with crime and substance abuse. If not curtailed, they go on living a violent life. The ones who repent are filled with a sense of guilt and depression.
What to do if you or someone you know is dealing with bullying
Sometimes, we might not be strong enough to deal with being bullied or knowing someone who deals with bullying. No matter how embarrassed or ashamed one might feel, it is never their fault. When things get tough, find the courage to report to a certified professional.
Sites to check to gain more information about bullying and how to stop it
- Stopbullying.gov
- www.ncab.org.au
- https://freecoursesinengland.co.uk/awareness-of-bullying-in-children-and-young-people/
- www.mcmillenhealth.org
Conclusion on Bullying
Bullying is a significant slight in our society. While we can never remove the need for superiority, Everyone working together can help save many lives.
Don’t give in to bullying or others making fun of people. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your friends. Be that one person who is genuinely good-hearted.
