Bullying is a common problem that we have to deal with once in a while. Some of us have had to face off with bullies over a long period of time while for others it may just be an occasional problem. Bullying is defined as the habitual use of aggression to gain power over others. It also entails using coercion, threats, abuse and intimidation. Such behaviour is usually directed towards specific targets. The behaviour can often be explained by differences in race, religion, gender, class, size, strength among others. To deal with bullying, movements have been created and laws made, all in a bid to combat the rising suicide cases among teenagers.
This undesirable behavior can be in divided into 3 forms; emotional, verbal and physical abuse. Emotional and verbal abuse are forms of insults and intimidation while physical abuse is hands on. The pattern of abuse is almost similar in both females and males when both victim and perpetrator are adults who would rather have it the verbal and emotional way. This is because physical violence tends to paint a bad image in public and perpetrators would rather avoid it. Physical abuse may also be avoided when the target appears stronger than the perpetrator. However, in majority of cases, females are usually non physical.
The vice may be classified as either indirect (social aggression) or direct. The aim of bullies in the indirect form is to make the victim feel lonely. They do this by gossiping about the target, laughing at them, calling them names and even staring at them. Direct bullies openly take advantage of individuals by pushing and pulling, shoving, biting, and pinching among others
One would wonder why bullies take so much pleasure in aggression. Research has shown that most bullies lack self esteem and therefore use physical and emotional abuse for the purpose of concealing their weaknesses. Another reason could be jealousy or resentment. Some bully because they have been victims before or have lived in such an environment.
Some bullies may be obsessed with tormenting others because they suffer from psychiatric conditions. Bullies are usually characterised by high a temper and feeling too good about themselves outwardly though this may not be the case in reality. In addition, bullies report poor performance academically
There are many negative effects associated with this problem including depression and a feeling of loneliness. The victims also have their self-esteem lowered markedly and start to lose interest in life activities. In extremes, it may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The victims become bitter and may themselves become violent in future. If one manages to stand up to a bully, they gain a lot of respect in return.
There are many programs that one can enrol in if their children are being bullied by other children. The same can also be used by teachers and other persons who are responsible for the welfare of children. Peer counselling programs are now available in many places and have been shown to be very helpful to the victims and those who support them.
Victims can deal with bullying but taking the challenge heads on. They need to face their opponent with confidence and a positive attitude. This way, they end up gaining respect and admiration of not only the bullies but also the immediate onlookers.
This undesirable behavior can be in divided into 3 forms; emotional, verbal and physical abuse. Emotional and verbal abuse are forms of insults and intimidation while physical abuse is hands on. The pattern of abuse is almost similar in both females and males when both victim and perpetrator are adults who would rather have it the verbal and emotional way. This is because physical violence tends to paint a bad image in public and perpetrators would rather avoid it. Physical abuse may also be avoided when the target appears stronger than the perpetrator. However, in majority of cases, females are usually non physical.
The vice may be classified as either indirect (social aggression) or direct. The aim of bullies in the indirect form is to make the victim feel lonely. They do this by gossiping about the target, laughing at them, calling them names and even staring at them. Direct bullies openly take advantage of individuals by pushing and pulling, shoving, biting, and pinching among others
One would wonder why bullies take so much pleasure in aggression. Research has shown that most bullies lack self esteem and therefore use physical and emotional abuse for the purpose of concealing their weaknesses. Another reason could be jealousy or resentment. Some bully because they have been victims before or have lived in such an environment.
Some bullies may be obsessed with tormenting others because they suffer from psychiatric conditions. Bullies are usually characterised by high a temper and feeling too good about themselves outwardly though this may not be the case in reality. In addition, bullies report poor performance academically
There are many negative effects associated with this problem including depression and a feeling of loneliness. The victims also have their self-esteem lowered markedly and start to lose interest in life activities. In extremes, it may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The victims become bitter and may themselves become violent in future. If one manages to stand up to a bully, they gain a lot of respect in return.
There are many programs that one can enrol in if their children are being bullied by other children. The same can also be used by teachers and other persons who are responsible for the welfare of children. Peer counselling programs are now available in many places and have been shown to be very helpful to the victims and those who support them.
Victims can deal with bullying but taking the challenge heads on. They need to face their opponent with confidence and a positive attitude. This way, they end up gaining respect and admiration of not only the bullies but also the immediate onlookers.
No comments:
Post a Comment