Bullying was not a well-known problem in the world before. But unfortunately, the increasing number of cases now-a-days has become its own way of introducing itself as one of the major problems we should all be concerned of today. Though it has a broad origin, what we can do now is know more about this issue so that we can trace how it actually started and eventually put an end to it before it makes us ask ourselves “Is school a safe place?”
Let’s start by knowing what is bullying. By definition, bullying is the act of using force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. According to Douglas Harper, the word “bully” was first used in 1530’s meaning “sweetheart” then it just deteriorated during the 17th century and became “the harasser of the weak”. It has four types which include emotional (destroying peer acceptance and friendships), verbal (name calling or taunting), physical (hitting, punching or kicking) and cyber (using electronic means to harm others) bullying. All these four types can occur in school whether primary, secondary or tertiary.
Based on reports, the most common types of bullying in primary school are physical, verbal and emotional bullying while the most common type of bullying in secondary and tertiary school is cyber bullying. The so-called act of bullying, regardless of the type, is usually due to envy and resentment. Bullies, most of the time, are also being bullied by other people and doing the same thing to others is their defense mechanism. Researchers also identified other risk factors such as depression and personality disorders. It has a strong connection to personal, family and social problems which triggers them to do violence to show power over other people.
We can say that home and physical environment has a great impact on one’s possibility to become a bully in school. Also, we can consider that lesser exposure to problems and violence can minimize a person’s idea of bullying others. In general, the primary solution against bullying starts in every home. Let us all take part in putting a stop to this. Positive relationship towards others is a good start.
Other than what we can do personally, we can also support and help different organizations conducting various programs against bullying. According to research, the most successful anti-bullying strategies in school are intervention at early stage, change done by everyone (not only the bullies) and careful and effective evaluation to monitor the result of the program. We should always keep in mind that there is always a way to fight against bullying – PREVENT, STOP AND HELP.
References:
Valerie E. Besag (1989).Bullies and victims in schools: a guide to understanding and management. Open University Press.ISBN978-0-335-09542-1. Retrieved2013-10-29.
Berger, Kathleen Stassen (2014).Invitation to the Life Span. New York: Worth Publishers.ISBN1464172056.
“bully”.Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper. Retrieved2013-10-28.
Ståle Einarsen (2003).Bullying and Emotional Abuse in the Workplace: International Perspectives in Research and Practice. Taylor & Francis.ISBN978-0-415-25359-8. Retrieved2013-10-29.
Levinson, Edward M.; Levinson, Edward M. (2004).“Assessment of Bullying: A Review of Methods and Instruments”.Journal of Counselling & Development(American Counselling Association)82(4): 496–503.doi:10.1002/j.1556-6678.2004.tb00338.x. Retrieved2013-10-29.
Patterson G (December 2005). “The bully as victim?”.Paediatric Nursing17(10): 27–30.doi:10.7748/paed2005.12.17.10.27.c981.PMID16372706.
Kumpulainen, K. (2008).“Psychiatric conditions associated with bullying”.International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health(National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine)20(2): 121–132.doi:10.1515/ijamh.2008.20.2.121.PMID18714551. Retrieved2013-10-29.
Berger, Kathleen Stassen (2007). “Update on bullying at school: Science forgotten?”.Developmental Review.
By: Corazon D. Arellano | T-I | Mariveles National Highschool
