Bullying
What is bullying?
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repetitively causes another person injury or discomfort.
What are the different behaviors that are considered as bullying?
Bullying can take place in the form of verbal bullying, social bullying, or physical bullying.
What makes someone a bully?
There is generally a reason behind a child becoming a bully. Bullying at its core, is a learned behavior.
It is important to understand some of the reasons why children may turn to bullying, which are:
● Inconsistent discipline
● Poor academic performance
● Unsupportive peer networks
● Child abuse
● Victim of bullying previously
● Low self-esteem or high self-esteem
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber-bullying is the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and internet, deliberately to upset someone else. Bullying is not new, but some features of cyber-bullying are different from other forms of bullying:
1. 24/7 and the invasion of home/personal space.
2. The audience can be very large and reached rapidly.
3. People who cyber-bully may attempt to remain anonymous.
4. The profile of the bully and target.
5. Some instances of cyber-bullying are known to be unintentional.
What can you do if you or someone else is being bullied?
● TALK to someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, older relative, or friend
● BE PERSISTENT. If the first person you talk does not help, DON’T GIVE UP. Speak to someone else
● If can’t talk to someone, WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING that has been said or done to hurt you. Be careful only to write down things that have really happened. When you have found someone you can trust, discuss or show what you have written with that person.
● Whoever you talk to, ASK that person not to do anything without telling you about it first. You have a right to know what is being done for you and to say whether you think it is a good idea or not.
● If you find it difficult to talk to an adult, ask one of your FRIENDS to go with you, or ask someone to talk to an adult for you.
In the case of cyber-bullying:
● Always RESPECT other – be careful what you say online and what images you send.
● THINK before you send – whatever you send can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever.
● DO NOT SHARE your password – keep it to yourself. Only give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends.
● BLOCK the bully – learn how to block or report someone who is behaving badly. Don’t retaliate or reply!
● SAVE the evidence – learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.
● Make sure you TELL –
○ An adult you trust or call a helpline
○ Your school – your teacher or the counsellor can help you
“Remember, bullying is WRONG. Do not ignore it. Ask for help. If everyone works together, we can stop bullying.”