Bullying is the use of force, threat, or pressures to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively control others. It is often repeated and habitual.
Bullying basically remains one of the largest problems over the world and the percentage is increasing steadily. Results have shown that many cases of suicide are being reported as a result of one form of bulling or the other.
One truth that must be established is that bullying is a learnt behavior and no person was born with it. Most bullies become one as a result of their environment, situation or circumstance they find themselves.
One thing is clear. Bullying is destructive to the victim. According to research, three sets of people are always involved
a. The Bully
b. The Bullied
c. The Bystanders or Onlookers. The onlooker most of the time encourages the bully or at times joins the act. Unfortunately, they most of the time become bullies themselves because the activity is not being challenged or punished.
The three categories must be dealt with thoroughly. One should identify why the Bully decides to pick on the Bullied and Bystanders, who usually encourages and aid the Bully.
TYPES OF BULLYING
1. Physical Bullying
Physical bullying is the most obvious form of bullying. This occurs when a person uses physical to gain power and control over others who are mainly their targets.
These bullies are always bigger, stronger and more aggressive than their peers or targets. Some form of physical bullying includes, kicking, hitting, punching, slapping, shoving and other forms of physical attack.
Physical bullying is the easiest one to identify unlike some other forms of bullying. It is almost most likely what people think of each time the thought of bullying comes to mind.
2. Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullies basically use words to torment, insult, demean or hurt to be little their targets. They mostly target persons with special needs or those that are not as comfortable as they are. This type is usually not identified.
3. Sexual Bullying
It consists of harmful and embarrassing actions that target a person sexually. It is a situation where sexual name-calling, uncouth gestures, undesirable touching, erotic proposition and pornographic materials are involved. A bully might make a crude comment about a girl’s or boy’s appearance, attractiveness, sexual development or sexual activity.
4. Prejudicial Bullying
Prejudicial bullying is based on preconceptions that bullies have towards people of different races, religion or sexual orientation. It usually occurs when people are targeting others who are different form them in terms of race, religion, sex and so on. This may be severe and can lead to hatred.
5. Cyber Bullying
This is when one uses the internet, a cell phone or other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Examples include posting hurtful images, making online threats, and sending hurtful emails or texts.
WHAT TO DO
- Take an action
- Open a line of communication
- Report cases of bullying
- Open up to someone.
Bullying is a problem world over and there must be join efforts in curbing it.