Every day thousands of teenagers wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects students of all races and classes and is a concern for many, not just those who are victims of it. But because parents, teachers, and other adults can’t always see it, they often don’t understand just how extreme bullying can go.
Bullying is serious
Bullying happens when a person is constantly tortured by a person or group with more strength, either because of brute ability or social background.
The victim’s looks or socioeconomic standing are two of the most common motivations for bullying. Bullies abuse youngsters that they perceive do not belong in their group because of their looks, demeanor (e.g., timid or reserved males), race or religion, or because the bullies suspect the victim is homosexual.
Some bullies physically assault their victims, including shoving, hitting, pushing, and even sexual assault. Others utilize psychological manipulation or verbal insults to gain control of the situation.
Others in popular bands or gangs, for example, frequently bully people they perceive to be different, excluding or whispering against them (psychological bullying). They can also provoke or offend them (verbal intimidation).
Verbal intimidation also involves posting comments about the victim via instant messaging or publishing remarks about the victim on a Web page. This is referred to as “cyberbullying.”
One of the most upsetting characteristics of bullying is its inclement weather. Most people can put up with a few jokes or insults, or even being turned away from the mall. Bullying, on the other hand, can leave a person in continual terror if these instances occur on a regular basis.
Bullying may have a negative impact on a teen’s schooling and health. When Mario began experiencing stomach aches and diarrhea, he was diagnosed with “irritable bowel syndrome,” a digestive ailment caused by the stress of being tormented during ninth grade. Because he was too terrified to go to the school cafeteria for lunch, Tom spent his afternoons hungry and unable to focus in class.
According to research, those who are mistreated by their peers are more likely to develop mental health issues such as poor self-esteem, stress, sadness, or anxiety. They may also consider suicide more frequently.
Bullies are also at risk of being arrested. Bullying is a kind of aggression that frequently leads to more aggressive conduct as the bully matures. It is anticipated that one in every four primary school bullied youngsters would have a criminal record by the age of 30. As they get older, some teen bullies are shunned by their classmates and lose friendships. Bullies might also fail in school and not have the successful relationships that others have.
Who bullies?
Both boys and girls can be intimidating. Bullies can be outgoing and aggressive. Or, they may appear to be secretive and try to manipulate others in subtle and deceptive ways, for example by starting a malicious rumor to see the result.
Many bullies share common characteristics. They like to dominate others and only think about themselves. They often lack sociability and make poor decisions in their social lives. In some cases, they have no feelings of compassion or affection toward others.
Although most bullies think they are superior and have the right to annoy others, others are insecure. They look down on others to appear more interesting or powerful themselves. Some bullies act that way because they have been victims of bullies; Maybe in your own family, there is a bully, like one of your parents or any other adult.
Some bullies have personality disorders that don’t allow them to understand normal social emotions, such as guilt, empathy, compassion, or remorse. These people need help from mental health professionals, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
What can be done?
The best way for younger children to solve the problem of bullying is to tell an adult. For teens, the decision to tell an adult depends on the type of bullying.
When bullying threatens to result in physical danger or injury to the victim, it is imperative to inform an adult. Many secondary school students have died for failing to report stalking, threats, and attacks; This silence allowed the bully to become increasingly violent.
In some cases, victims of repeated acts of intimidation cannot control their desire for revenge and the situation becomes dangerous for all.
Adults in positions of authority (parents, teachers, or sports coaches) often look for ways to solve serious bullying problems without the bully knowing how they found out. of the situation.
If you’re being bullied so that the situation can become physically violent, try to avoid being alone (and if you have a friend in this situation, spend as much time as possible). accompanying it). Try to always be surrounded by people by joining a group that walks back home after school or staying close to friends or classmates during The times when bullying usually occurs.
Here are some strategies for dealing with psychological or verbal bullying. They are also excellent suggestions for showing your support to a friend:
Ignore the bully and continue to walk away. This does not imply that you are a coward; sometimes it is more difficult than losing patience and becoming furious. Bullies like seeing their victims’ emotions, and by avoiding or ignoring offensive internet communications, you’re telling them you don’t care. The bully will eventually weary of attempting to bother you. Walk with your head raised high and your shoulders back. This indicates that you are not susceptible.
Don’t become upset. Who doesn’t want to lash out at a bully? But that is the reaction the bully desires. Bullies seek to manipulate your emotions. If you’re in a scenario where you can’t walk away calmly, consider using comedy; it can catch you off guard. Other strategies to deal with your anger include exercise and writing (be sure to shred up any letters or notes you write when you’re furious).
Do not use physical force. Whatever method you choose to deal with the bully, avoid using physical force (such as kicking, punching, or pushing). So you’re just expressing your rage to him, and you have no idea how he’ll react. You are more likely to get into trouble or get wounded if you use violence against a bully. You can defend yourself in various ways, such as stepping away from the situation or being solid in your actions. Some adults feel that bullying is a normal part of growing up (some even argue it improves character) and that the only way to deal with it is to fight back. But this is not the case. Aggressive responses frequently result in additional violence and victim intimidation.
Experiment with different approaches to demonstrate trust. Practice responding to the bully verbally or physically. Make an effort to feel good about yourself (even if you should pretend at first).
Take command of your life. You have no influence over what other people do, but you can be honest with yourself. Think of methods to feel your best ( strongest) so others stop bothering you. Exercise allows you to feel strong and powerful (and it lifts your spirits). Learn martial art or enroll in yoga courses. Improving your talents in hobbies such as chess, painting, music, computers, or writing is another approach to boost your confidence.
Talk about the circumstances. Speaking with a school counselor, instructor, or friend will provide you with the assistance you require. So you may also express your concerns and anger when you are bullied.
Get some (true) pals. If you’ve been scared by rumors or vicious talk, you can employ any of the strategies listed above (particularly ignore and don’t respond). But you must take a step further to alleviate your emotions of resentment and solitude. Find one or two loyal pals and trust them not to gossip about you. Clarify the matter by addressing them directly that what they have claimed about you is false.
What if you're the bully?
We’ve all had to deal with challenging events and emotions. Some individuals torture others to escape their issues and stop focusing on them when they are stressed, angry, or frustrated. Some bullies have firsthand knowledge of bullying. Perhaps it is usual in their families to hurl slurs, be scornful, or resort to physical assault. Whatever the cause, there is no reasonable explanation for this action.
If you’re having trouble resisting the urge to bully, talk to someone you appreciate. Consider how others feel when you tease or offend them. If you can’t see yourself in the other person’s shoes (as many bullies do), ask someone to help you.
Bullying backfires, and everyone, even bullies, is dissatisfied. They may scare others, but no one respects them. Find methods to use your authority in a constructive way if you want others to perceive your qualities and character and consider you a leader. rather than using it to detest others.
Do you want others to believe you’re unpleasant, harsh, and malicious? It is never too late to make a change, no matter how tough it may appear at first. Request advise and assistance from an adult you respect.
Bullying prevention measures in schools
If the climate at your school encourages bullying, take action to effect change. For example, bullies may abuse individuals in locations where personnel cannot see them, such as stairwells or yards. Because many bullying happens in the presence of peers (after all, the bully wants to be acknowledged and feel strong), soliciting assistance from friends or a peer group is a useful method to effect culture change and deal with a bully.
You may try approaching the bully. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to him face to face, drop him a letter in his locker. Inform the bully that your actions are serious and dangerous. This may be used in group circumstances, such as when a member of your group begins to irritate or push about.
Most individuals avoid speaking up because it is tough. To face an intimidator, you must have faith in yourself, especially if you are one of the group’s leaders. Even if they don’t say it, other kids who observe bullying are likely to feel the same way you do. They may believe they are not popular enough to communicate their views, or they may fear being weak and having the bully turn on them. Keeping silent (even if they disagree with the bully’s attitude) allows them to remove themselves from the victim.
When this occurs, the scope of the bullying expands since the bully is not just bullying one person, but multiple members of the group. When a person confronts the bully, the reverse occurs. Allow others to lend their support and confirm their own views.
Another strategy to counteract bullying is to participate in the school’s anti-violence program. If your school does not have one, create one.
