What is school bullying?
School bullying, a phenomenon now widely recognized, can be defined as any form of physical or psychological abuse, violence, coercion, or threat with the intention of establishing dominance over the victim, both socially and psychologically. School bullying is typically repetitive, and the factor that triggers bullying is often any imbalance, weakness, or characteristic of the victim, both physically and socially. It is characterized by the hostile intent of the person engaging in bullying, the power imbalance experienced by the victim, and the repeated aggressive behavior over a short period, with the goal of harming the individual both physically, psychologically, and mentally.
School bullying can be divided into four categories. The first is psychological bullying, which aims to harm and diminish the social standing and position of an individual. There is also verbal bullying, which includes insults and nicknames directed at the victim, spreading false information about the victim, threats, shouting, rude and aggressive tones of voice, mockery, taunting, laughter at the victim’s expense, and insults. Another form is physical bullying, which involves any act that can physically harm another person or anything the person owns. Lastly, there is cyberbullying, in which one or more individuals use technology to target, threaten, harass, and embarrass another individual.
Over the years, the scientific community has been able to identify some of the key characteristics of individuals who are victims of school bullying, as well as those who engage in bullying. Recognizing these characteristics can be quite useful, as it helps in both the prevention and recognition and management of bullying incidents by both parents and educators. A person who appears to be a victim of bullying may have emotional disorders, unexplained bruises, stolen or damaged property, loss of friends, changes in eating and sleeping habits, reduced self-esteem, and more. On the other hand, an individual who seems to be the perpetrator of bullying may exhibit authoritarian behavior, impulsivity, low academic performance, and poor communication skills, among other traits.
Both parents and schools can be informed about school bullying and their role in addressing it. A parent can listen to their child regarding what happened, communicate with them, encourage the child to report the incident, and inform them about the steps to take in such cases. Teachers, in turn, can educate their students about school bullying, explaining both the consequences and how to manage such situations.
Key steps to take in cases of school bullying:
- First, the child should ignore the bully and be clear that they want the other child to stop. If that isn’t enough, the child should then move away from the situation.
- Strengthen friendships among children, as a child who is alone is more likely to be bullied than a child who is surrounded by friends.
- Additionally, explain to the child that it is more helpful to avoid the bully than provoke them, and that in cases of physical violence, the child can push the bully to protect themselves and then walk away.
The importance of awareness about school bullying:
Awareness about school bullying is essential to combat it. Both parents and educators should receive psychoeducation about bullying, and in turn, inform and protect their children.
