Bullying is something that unfortunately occurs in many schools in our countries and around the world. Bullying is not a child's thing and it never will be. Bullying is something that concerns us all because we are all responsible for eradicate it in the classroom or continue to let it happen. Homeschooling is crucial for both abusers and victims, and the way children are treated at school is also something that must be taken into account.
Many people think they know everything about bullying, but this is not the case. We will never know everything about something, and bullying is no exception. Do you want to know some things you probably didn't know about bullying? Don't miss a thing because it's everyone's business to address this issue that causes so much harm to thousands of children every day.
It can happen at any age
Although bullying usually occurs in primary and secondary schools, it can also start as early as preschool age. There are even cases that can be transferred to adult life and to cases of workplace harassment, known as "mobbing". Unfortunately it seems that There are bullies in many facets of life, and this is the fault of the whole society, for allowing these types of aggressors to be empowered. Furthermore, bullying can reappear in transitions educational or vital if there is no intervention.
It can be for any reason
Bullying doesn't have a specific motive for attacking the victim; the bully simply feels empowered by attacking because he sees others playing along, and that makes him grow. If others didn't play along, the bully would feel isolated and stop doing it. It's everyone's duty. curb these behaviors that do so much harm to people.
Bullies may also attack because they want to stand out, because they feel threatened, because they have also been bullied in other contexts, or because any perceived differences (physical appearance, origin, orientation, abilities, interests, etc.).
What is bullying and how to recognize it
Bullying is a dynamics of abuse Intentional and repeated among peers, within and/or outside the center. It is sustained by an imbalance of power and by the involvement (active or passive) of the group.
- Intentionality: seeks to harm, subdue or humiliate.
- Repetition: it is prolonged over time, it is not an isolated event.
- power imbalance: physical, psychological, social or digital.
- Group participation: There may be several aggressors and an audience.
- Passive observers: they normalize violence if they do not act.
In the centers, the insults, nicknames and mockery They are usually the behaviors most mentioned by students, reaching very high percentages according to specialized reports.
Types of bullying
Bullying can take different forms forms and all of them are harmful:
- Physical: pushing, hitting, tripping, spitting, damage to objects.
- Verbal: insults, threats, rumors, public ridicule.
- Socials: deliberate exclusion, isolation, relational boycott.
- Sexual: obscene comments, non-consensual touching, blackmail.
- Cyberbullying: harassment through technology. Includes practices such as:
- Posting compromising photos to ridicule.
- Impersonation in chats or networks to make enemies.
- Create fake profiles to defame or harass.
- Provoke and threaten with continuous messages to generate fear.
Common myths and realities
- They are not “children's things”: minimizes damage and disclaims responsibility.
- It doesn't make you stronger.: can leave anxiety, depression or trauma.
- It is not a natural part of growing up.: has to to intervene soon.
- It doesn't just exist if there are blows: Psychological violence also hurts.
- Words do hurt: erode self-esteem and mental health.
- The victims are not weak: any boy or girl can be one.
- Cyberbullying is serious.: the scope and persistence aggravate it.
- Not every argument is bullying: requires intent to harm and imbalance.
- Girls bully too: the phenomenon does not depend on gender.
- It's not a fashion: There is more visibility and complaints.
- Yes, it leaves after-effects.: physical, academic and psychological in the long term.
- Nobody deserves it: justifying it perpetuates violence.
- It is not always easy to recognize:Bullying can be subtle.
- Ignoring it doesn't turn it off.: : the lack of consequences feeds it.
- Violence is not answered with violence: the conflict escalates.
- He who denounces is not weak: it is an act of courage.
- Victims don't always tell: shame and fear delay it.
- You can stop it: with evidence-based protocols and coordination.
- You can start before high school.: appears at an early age.
- Families and teachers can detect it: require training and action.
Warning signs and risk factors
It is important to observe indicators that, if maintained over time, may suggest harassment. It is not necessary for all of them to appear to act.
- Physical: skin tags, headaches, sleep problems, self-harm.
- behavioral: sudden changes, absenteeism, refusal to go to class, isolation.
- Emotional: fear, frequent crying, blockage, irritability.
- Psychological: low self-esteem, obsessions, rumination, self-harming ideation.
Many victims they don't tell it right away; creating a safe listening space makes it easier for ask for help.
How to react to bullying and cyberbullying
The key is intervene early and as a team. Ignoring doesn't work.
- At school: Activate evidence-based protocols, record incidents, protect the victim, work with the group, and monitor key spaces.
- In the family: listen without judging, validate emotions, avoid blaming, document evidence, coordinate with the center and seek professional support.
- Among equals: do not laugh or spread, notify an adult, support the victim and promote a culture of respect.
- In digital: do not respond to provocations, save evidence (screenshots, links), block and report, adjust privacy, and turn to helplines and specialized entities.
Violence is not the solution: Responding with aggression can aggravate the problem and lead to sanctions.
Consequences and why it is urgent to intervene
Bullying has deep Impact in the present and future lives of all those involved.
- Victim: anxiety, depression, self-harm thoughts, low self-esteem, poor academic performance and relational difficulties.
- Agresor: learning of antisocial patterns, low tolerance to frustration, normalization of violence.
- Observers: passivity in the face of injustice and deterioration of the climate of coexistence.
Bullying can be stopped if the entire educational community It acts consistently: clear protocols, emotional education, social skills, and active student participation. Current visibility doesn't make it a fad; it allows for better detection and earlier action, even when appears at an early age or in digital environments.
Reinforce respect, dismantle myths and give practical tools For families, teachers, and students, it reduces harm and breaks the chain of violence. Want to add more information on this topic? Tell us what you want about bullying.
