Bullying Report

Bullying Report

BSHS/305

10/26/2014

Barbara Kennedy

Bullying Report

          Bullying is defined as behavior that harms another person, happens more than once ("School Bullying," 2013). Bullying can happen anywhere; at school, work, and at leisure activities ("School Bullying," 2013). Bullying behavior can be done individually or in a group ("School Bullying," 2013). Human services professionals have an obligation to protect and promote the safety and welfare of vulnerable children. Bullying can have serious consequences for the victim.
           Bullying has long-term effects on both the victim and the bully ("Combating Bullying," 2007). Bullying victims have lower self-esteem and higher depression rates later on in life than those who have not been bullied ("Combating Bullying," 2007). Research and education about bullying have increased student happiness and health ("School Bullying," 2013). Most people have been a victim of bullying or have witnessed bullying. Those who have witnessed bullying may fear that they could be the next victim ("Bullying Hurts Everyone — Including The Bullying Witness", 2014). The witness may also have feelings of anger and guilt. Anger that the bullying occurred and guilt about not being able to prevent or stop the bullying ("Bullying Hurts Everyone — Including The Bullying Witness", 2014).
          There are three main types of bullying: physical, verbal and relational. Physical bullying involves hurting and individual's body or possessions. It is the easiest to identify because it involves a physical act such as kicking hitting, or destroying property. Physical bullies want to establish superiority and control over the victim ("Bullying Statistics", 2013). Physical bullying occurs more often with males than females. Victims of physical bullying are at risk for low self-esteem and start to avoid previously enjoyed activities.
           Verbal bullying is using words to hurt another person. The bully is trying to upset the victim through taunting or teasing. It can take place in person, over the phone or through the internet. It is the easiest to get away with. The goal of verbal bullying is to make the victim feel like less ("Bullying Statistics", 2013). Verbal bullying can lead to lowered self-esteem. It can have physical consequences such as suicide or substance abuse later on in life ("Bullying Statistics", 2013).
          Relational or social Bullying is bullying that is supposed to harm and individuals reputation or cause humiliation. It is often done behind a person back. Relational bullying includes ignoring, isolating, excluding, and rumor spreading. This type of bullying uses relationships to control or harm another person ("School Bullying," 2013). Social bullying deprives the individual of the opportunity to form meaningful connecting with peers. It damages and individuals opportunity to see themselves in a positive light. It can lead to self-loathing. The victim may start to believe what the bully is saying.
There are differences in the ways that boys and girls bully. Boys tend to bully both males and females. Boys are usually more physically aggressive. Boys are more open about their bullying making it easier to identify ("Bullying: What Are The Differences Between Boys And Girls? " 2012). Girls who bully generally bully other girls. Girls use relational and verbal bullying. Girl bullying is more covert and passive aggressive making it harder to identify ("Bullying: What Are The Differences Between Boys And Girls? " 2012). Teens that identify or are perceived as being gay are at a higher risk for bullying. The bullying closely resembles sexual harassment.
           Parents who teach their children empathy have children that can understand and relate to others feelings. Empathy makes children aware of how others treat those ("Bullying Statistics, 2013). Families should talk openly about bullying with children. Explain how to identify bullying and what to do if they witness or are being bullied ("How to Talk about Bullying ",). Parents should keep the communication lines open and ask questions that encourage discussion. Parents should model appropriate ways to handle bullies ("Bullying Statistics", 2013).
           Bullying takes place in many places. Children need to be empowered to resolve bullying behavior. Bullying is more than simple playground disputes. Adults need to learn how to recognize and deal with bullying. The entire school community should adopt a curriculum and every adult in the school must be trained I how to recognize and how to stop it.