Bullying remains an urgent problem in schools and communities around the world. Bullying is the intentional and persistent behavior of inflicting harm on a person who is more vulnerable. It can take many forms from physical violence to verbal to social. The reality is that individuals who engage in bullying behavior often have their own mental health struggles. These challenges, such as depression and anxiety, often continue to plague them into adulthood.
Bullying is not an isolated incident, but rather an ongoing and deliberate insult. It arises out of a profound power imbalance between the bully and the victim. Ironically, some of the kids who bully others look socially adjusted—while others are rejected from peer groups and have difficulty making friends and social connections. This complexity is important to recognize in order to have a better understanding of the different motivations that can exist behind bullying behavior.
A new survey of more than 2,200 teens found dozens of motives behind why youth bully. Among those who admitted to bullying others, 62 percent cited explanations such as feeling misunderstood or the need to assert dominance. One teenager noted, “People didn’t try to understand my point of view,” illustrating the perception among some bullies that their actions stem from a lack of empathy from peers.
In Sweden, elementary school children tend to connect the figure of the bully with psychological distress or attention-seeking behaviour. Bullies are bullies in part because they, too, are responding to emotional pain. They likely want social validation for their behavior as well. In most instances, kids pick on others to achieve social dominance among their classmates.
Social media has additionally turned into a key arena for bullying conduct. In fact, research has demonstrated the widespread use of techniques of online aggression by Russian teenagers. Responses to this somewhat strange and specific form of bullying can differ greatly between people. This is important because it indicates that not all teens respond uniformly to online harassment.
The psychological and emotional needs of children engaged in this aggressive behavior—bullies and targets—should be closely observed. When that bullying occurs, especially in person, it can have devastating long-term impacts on mental health. This fact underscores the urgent need for early intervention and comprehensive support systems.
Educators and parents alike must realize that they are the key players in addressing bullying behavior. Being aware of the unique signs of bullying and creating a safe and supportive environment can make all the difference in preventing bullying. In addition, conversation around empathy, respect and effective communication is key to stopping bullying before it even starts.
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