CRESCENDOS AND INTRICACIES OF BULLYING

 

What bullying is:

Bullying is the harassment, maltreatment and victimization of an individual. It ranges from verbal to physical or bodily cruelty. This has been occurring from time immemorial, be it at home, school and even in the workplace. Regardless of the age, it can be stated that anyone can be bullied. Nevertheless, bullies are not born, they are raised and groomed. A child that is being bullied at home will definitely bully others. The bullied tends to bully others, leading to an unending vicious cycle. The dimension of existing relationship, appears to influence and determine peoples’ perspective of bullying. The advent of social media has also introduced the aspect of cyber-bullying. Research has shown that about 28% of students from grade six to twelve have experienced bullying, while bullying is not exclusive to children, it happens among adults too. Statistics show that about 40% of adult employees in the US have been bullied at work.

Symptoms of bullying to watch out for

1. Withdrawal, quietness and shyness, are among the signs to look out for in a child or individual that is being bullied, such a person will no longer freely associate and interact with others;
2. Drastic effects on the mental health, which can be reflected in poor academic performance, anorexia nervosa, among others;
3. Sudden and drastic weight loss;
4. Fear; persistent apprehension and anxiety are often displayed by a victim of bullying;
5. Insecurity, low self-esteem and unexplained injuries;
6. Sadness, depression and sometimes suicide or suicidal thoughts are also affiliated with bullying;  
7. Impaired social relationships and so on are a few of those traits attributable to bullying.

Managing bullying

Dealing with bullying requires tact and skill. You need to earn and win the trust of the bullied, especially among children for them to be able to confide in you. Interventions cannot be one-sided, it has to emerge from a collaboration of efforts. Strict laws should be enacted against this destructive and dangerous practice. Bullying remedies and prevention can be found here. Professional help can also be sought.