What exactly is bullying? Bullying is any form of negative badgering or intimidation inflicted from one person or group to another. Bullying can take place in public as well as home-like settings. Bullying is not something that is necessarily triggered or provoked. Anyone in society can be the victim of a bully.
The most common forms of this type of negative behaviour may include verbal, emotional, and physical bullying. Although a large portion of bullying goes unreported, much of it occurs in school and work-related environments. It is also important to remember that bullying is not limited to physical and verbal altercations on a school playground. Hence, it is beneficial to become aware of the different forms bullying can take.
How to Overcome Bullying
Are you one of several people who have been bullied? Overcoming bullies at a school or professional environment can seem like a challenging task. Inappropriate behaviour used during bullying is particularly detrimental because it will often haunt bullied individuals, even if they may have moved on from such circumstances in their life. This often leads individuals to deprive themselves of participating freely in social events and functions. Regardless how much or little one has faced from a bully, its effects are somewhat similar in this case.
Recognize and Understand
Encountering a situation where you are inappropriately confronted by intimidation or harassment is a strong indication that you are being bullied. The word ‘bullying’ is a collective term which outlines a variety of negative treatments and behaviours that can be implied onto a person, or a group of people. It is important to understand the meaning and implications of bullying in schools and workplace environments, as well as bullying in a home or intimate setting.
Come to terms with the fact that you are being bullied, and identify the source of your bullying. This step is crucial in finding the ability to take further measures to put a stop to bullying. Finding the willpower to take action first lies in acknowledging to yourself that you have been the victim of a bully.
Understand that receiving wrongful behaviour from one or more individuals is wrong and unacceptable, regardless of your age, gender, personal beliefs (such as religion), or social circumstance in life.
Withdraw and Avoid
After recognizing and understanding the problem, the next step should include informing a responsible individual of your current situation. However, for the mean time one is being bullied, it is important to steer clear of any situation which you believe can trigger more negative behaviour towards you. For carrying out this step, use your discretion and take necessary precautions to maximize your personal safety and emotional well-being. Keep in mind that it is beneficial not to delay time before alerting the attention of a person you can trust.
Understanding the Risks and Implications of Bullying
When discussing the different methods of eliminating bullying, most sociologists agree that society needs to brand bullying as something which is detrimental to the community. When enough attention is placed on the negative effects of bullying, it will become a stigma in society.
Although most people experience different types of bullying behaviour, the lasting implications are usually similar. Individuals experience feelings of fear, worthlessness and resentment, which often lead to depression. Facing any form of bullying normally produces negative long term effects on the individual being bullied. If you are currently experiencing bullying in your social or home life, it is important know to how to deal with such occurrences.
Sources
Adler, Patricia A., and Peter Adler. Constructions of deviance: social power, context & interaction. 3rd ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Pub. Co., 2000.
Ambert, Anne, and Catherine Krull. Changing families: relationships in context. Canadian ed. New Jersey 07458: Pearson/A & B, 2006.
Saleha Faruque - I am currently pursuing an undergraduate bachelors degree at the University of Toronto. As a student, I enjoy writing on educational ...
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