October 1st on every year is the World Day of Bullying Prevention in which millions come together to spread awareness of Bullying, it’s long-term effects, and strategies for preventing bullying wherever possible. World Day of Bullying Prevention is part of the National Bullying Prevention Month sponsored by STOMP Out Bullying, an organization supporting students. The goal of these awareness celebrations is to “encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages.”
Defining Bullying
Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.”
What Bullying Looks Like
Bullying can take many forms, from name-calling to being shoved around, scare tactics and threats to being physically harmed. Generally, there are two defining criteria to make an action bullying. First, is an imbalance of power. One person uses their power, either physical or non-physical, to inflict harm on someone through direct action or as a means of control. Non-physical power can be anything from information to privilege to a position. Second, is repetition. It is certainly a bullying effort when someone is being unnecessarily mean or controlling. However, if a bullying behavior is frequent and ongoing, the situation becomes one of distinguishable bullying, rather than an isolated event. Bullying can be physical, social, or verbal and each has an equal, damaging effect.
Why Do People Bully Other People?
There is an old saying: hurt people, hurt people. Bullies have most likely been bullied themselves. Somewhere in their life, an adult or someone their age has been repeatedly, powerfully mean to them. Especially as children, we are lacking in the skills necessary to handle the pain of bullying. When people are hurt beyond their ability to take care of themselves, they hurt others as a way to exact compensation for someone not taking care of them.
Fast Facts About The Effects Of Bullying:
- Bullying creates a higher risk for the development of mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, and other mental health issues in adulthood
- Bullying can increase chances of substance abuse, smoking, dropping out of school, difficulty with social relationships, and more
- Bullying greatly damages the sense of self-worth, self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to have healthy relationships with others
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