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Bullying is a widespread phenomenon in most schools, where a
group of students isolate one student and garner onlookers' support or
neutrality. Bullies taunt and tease before physically bullying their target.
Regardless of status, bullying can happen to anyone and is particularly
prominent between the ages of 9 to 18. The types of bullying range from
physical, emotional, verbal, cyber, to sexual bullying.
There are several types of bullies, including confident, social, fully
armored, hyperactive, bullied bully, a bunch, or gang of bullies. They come
in all shapes and sizes, and both boys and girls can be bullies. Girls tend
to be verbal social bullies, while boys tend to be physical bullies. Bullies
are often overly concerned about their appearance and popularity standings
and have an urge to dominate or be in charge of others. They are typically
easily pressured by their peers and feel the need to impress them.
Students become bullies for many reasons. They want to impress their peers,
were once bullied themselves, and now feel powerful bullying others, or even
do it as retaliation for being punished in school.
To identify bullies, look for loud, assertive, and potentially hostile
behavior. They may not be the largest kids in a class, but they may be part
of the popular or cool kids' group. The bullies that are part of a popular
group may not come from intense disciplinary homes; rather, they gain
acceptance from the peer group by bullying a victim.
On the other hand, victims of bullying are physically smaller, more
sensitive, unhappy, cautious, anxious, quiet, and withdrawn. They are often
described as submissive and vulnerable to being victimized.
Bullying has short-term and long-term effects. The short-term effects
include depression, suicide, anxiety, anger, and poor school performance.
The long-term effects result in feelings of insecurity, lack of trust,
extreme insensitivity, and a need for revenge.
Reducing school bullying requires a concerted effort from everyone, from the
Ministry of Education down to the staff, students, and parents. Here are
some strategies to help reduce bullying in schools: adults need to know what
is happening to their children and teach them to defend themselves verbally
and physically. Affirm that bullying is never acceptable and emphasize
caring, respect, and safety. Consistent and immediate consequences for
aggressive behaviors should be enforced. Positive peer relations should be
encouraged, and communication among all stakeholders should be improved.
For bullying to disappear from the school environment, two aspects need to
happen. First, the bullies need to realize that their behavior is
unacceptable and they should be disciplined and counseled. Second, the
bullied need to stand up for justice and fair play.
As children grow from childhood to adolescence and adulthood, some forms of
physical horseplay and innocent emotional teasing are inevitable. However,
the "so-called bullies" should know their limits and when to stop "fooling
around," and the "so-called bullied" should be less sensitive and accept
such "name-calling" as "part and parcel" of growing up. With the concerted
efforts of everyone, we can reduce school bullying and promote a safe and
positive learning environment. |
