Violent, virulent bullying assaults are becoming quite common nowadays and they are happening all over the world.
Bullying in school is such a common menace that it is estimated that 1 in 3 students have experienced ii in some form or other. With technology entering into equation, the problem has only become even more complicated.
The ragging in colleges is just an extension of the same problem.
What is bullying?
Bullying is an intentional abuse/aggression against an individual by one or more peers. This abuse/aggression can be either physical or emotional. It can either happen face-to-face in person or in the anonymity of cyberspace. It can be by a single individual or by a gang of individuals.
This damaging aggressive behavior is repetitive, unprovoked and involves a power imbalance (stronger aggressor, weaker victim).
Physical bullying can take form of pushing, punching, pinching, kicking, hitting with objects, spitting or tripping.
Emotional bullying occurs as insults, verbal abuses, teasing, name-calling, rumor-mongering and isolating the individual.
Sometimes the bullying can take form of damaging the victim’s belongings (school-bag, books etc.) and/or stealing (money or things) from him.
What are the common times and places where school bullying can happen?
Before the school activities begin; during the recesses; after the school disperses at the close and during the school-bus transfers are the usual timing for bullying. Just outside the school’s compound or in the school’s bus, corridor, playground or toilet- these are the common places for bullying.
What is cyber-bullying?
With the advent of gadgets and internet, the bullying has found many new locations in cyberspace. Text messages, multimedia messages, chats or social network posts on mobile phones, computers or other gadgets have become popular ways to abuse.
Many times these cyber-bullies hide their identity through pseudonyms.
What are the warning signs of bullying in a victim?
- Repeated unexplained/poorly explained injuries or bruises.
- Social withdrawal
- Falling attendance or school-grades
- Unexplained headaches/stomach-aches
- Inability to sleep, disturbed sleep or frequent nightmares
What are the dangers of bullying?
The physical injury is an important, immediate danger but perhaps the emotional scarring is an even greater and more long-term problem.
Bullied individuals are prone for anger, frustration, loneliness, depression, ‘acting out’ aggression and poor peer/family relationships.
What is the typical picture of a bullying aggressor?
- Physically taller and stronger than other classmates.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Enjoys violence on playground, TV or computer games.
- Poor academic record – failures, expulsions.
- Skirmishes with teachers.
- Abusive or permissive home environment.
- Usually part of a group with similar individuals.
What is the typical picture of a bullying victim?
- Shorter and weaker than other classmates.
- Often with some kind of physical/mental impairment.
- Shy personality.
- Belonging to minority group because of differences in race, religion, language or sexual orientation.
- Single parent or unconcerned parents.
- Uncomfortable/unsure/unconvinced about sharing his experience or seeking help from authorities.
How do we manage the bullying?
- Awareness that bullying is a serious problem and it is very common.
- Alertness to spot bullying activity at the earliest.
- Acting immediately to stop the offenders and protect victims.
- Establishment an official anti-bullying program involving teachers, parents and student representatives. Early education about the bullying issue, compassionate communication, strict guidelines, zero tolerance and quick enforcement are key requirements for any such program to succeed.
- Government legislations and legal measures should be in place.
