Bullying

Bullying is when a person intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort on you,, through physical contact, through words or in other unwanted ways. Bullying can take the form of aggressive behaviour in the form of hurtful teasing or threat, to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. Bullying can be done individually or by a group of kids.

Bullying is also seen in adults in office settings, families, academia, courts, hospitals, military, prisons etc.

What are the types of bullying?

Verbal bullying : 

It is the most common type of bullying. It can include the following:

Derogatory name-calling and nicknaming

Spreading rumours about you

Threatening 

Yelling at or talking in a rude or unkind tone of voice

Mocking someone

Laughing at someone

Making fun of someone

Physical bullying :

Any bullying that hurts your body or your personal belongings is physical bullying where commonly kids end up being beaten up by their classmates. Physical bullying will often escalate over time, and can lead to a fatal ending which is why it needs to be stopped as soon as it comes to your notice.

Cyber bullying : 

It is the use of technology to harass or threaten another person. It is seen in both children and adults. This includes bullying by use of email, instant messaging, social media websites (such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter), text messages, and phone calls. 

Relational bullying : 

When bullying is done to hurt somebody’s reputation. This type of bullying is common among youth, but particularly girls. Social exclusion is one of the most common types of relational bullying. Unlike physical bullying which is obvious, relational bullying is not overt and can continue for a long time without being noticed.

What are the Common Symptoms?

(In the victim)

  • School refusal 
  • Lack of interest in school activities
  • Frequent headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Reluctance to go out in public 
  • Sadness of mood 

Causes/ Motives:

(In the bully)

  • Envy 
  • Resentment 
  • Conceal shame/anxiety 
  • Boost self esteem 
  • Personality traits- narcissism, psychopathic traits 
  • Self image 
  • Exposure to violence at home or on TV/video games 

Conditions associated with unaddressed bullying:

  • Self esteem issues 
  • Self harm 
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Suicide
  • Impaired scholastic performance