Many people of all different ages are bullied on a daily basis. It may be from a stranger, and it is harder when it comes from someone close, like family members or friends. 
“People can forget what you said and did, but they can never forget the way you made them feel.” Those were the words of a person who had been bullied. 
If we pause for a second, we can think of at least one person we know who might have been subjected to some sort of bullying. The resonating effect of these words remains in their memories and is reflected in their behavior. 
In this article, we will learn about the phenomenon of bullying, the different places it can happen in, its effects and forms.

What is the phenomenon of bullying? 

Bullying is a social problem faced by many individuals around the world. It is defined as aggressive behavior in which verbal or physical violence or psychological abuse is used to harm another person repeatedly.²
Bullying affects the mental health of the bullied person. Sometimes impacting their physical health and even safety. It also has an effect on their social and emotional relationships.²

What are the places where bullying can happen? 

Bullying is prevalent in various places, from schools to workplaces and social media. Although it can occur in every age group, it is particularly common among children and teenagers.
Children and teenagers are trying very hard to prove themselves in different ways. Unfortunately, it may include rejecting and hating all that is different from them, hence bullying.²

What are the forms of bullying? 

The most common forms are: insulting, threatening, taunting, ignoring, and physical harm.
Bullying may also be carried out directly or indirectly, it may be visible to others or hidden from plain sight.²

What are the effects?

People who are bullied suffer from negative mental and emotional health effects, starting with low self-esteem and a desire for isolation, to feeling depression and anxious, which can then lead to suicidal ideation.
It can also give rise to problems with learning, concentration, and academic achievements. Bullying may affect the bullied immediately, or continue to have an impact long after the incident is over.³

How to reduce this phenomenon?

The phenomenon of bullying is a serious issue that requires strict intervention measures from society. Schools, parents, humanitarian communities, and the media must work together to combat it, educate people about its harms, and how to act to reduce its effects.¹

Some of the things that can be done include:

1. Schools’ adaptations of firm policies against bullying and providing a safe environment for students. A child or a teenager at school can report what happened to them to the social worker. Then, he handles the matter in confidentiality so that the situation doesn’t embarrass the bullied further.¹
2. Incorporating guidance lessons about bullying in the educational system.¹
3. Parents support their children and provide them with the love they need. In order to instill the idea that they are accepted and loved in their minds. Thus fostering self-confidence and enhancing their positive traits.
4. Parents encourage their children to share their experiences. And seek help when needed with trusted people at school and home.²
5. Parents Instill positive thoughts in their children’s minds about accepting others’ differences, and providing support if they can.²
6. Communities provide necessary resources for individuals who have been bullied. Including psychological counseling and emotional support. These resources should be available to the entire society.
7. Associations and NGOs provide psychological support, awareness, and rehabilitation to individuals affected by it.

In short, the whole society must work hand in hand to combat bullying. Whether by educating people about its harms, or how to act when they face it. Also provide the necessary resources to help individuals who suffer from it. With joint efforts, a more respectful, tolerant, and cooperative society can be built.

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• Disguised Illiteracy
• Spinsterhood

References:

[1] StopBullying

[2] PsychologyToday

[3] VeryWellFamily