Bullying is defined as intentional and repeated use of words or actions against a particular person or a group of people to dominate, which often causes distress or harm. Generally, bullies tend to have more influence and power over their victims, exploiting imbalances in social status, physical strength, or digital access.
Types of bullying
There are a number of ways bullies target their victims:
- Physical Bullying - This type of bullying generally involves physical violence, either in the form of indirect violence (such as punishment) or direct violence.
- Oral Bullying - This type of bullying is done through offensive, harmful, and hurtful words thrown at the victim with the intention of insulting.
- Psychological Bullying - Psychological bullying is directed and intended to harm the mental or psychological state of the victim, generally without inflicting physical pain or violence.
- Cyber bullying — the modern era of technology has given rise to this new avenue of bullying, which has become increasingly common. Cyber bullying is similar to offline bullying, except it is through an online platform, such as social media, email, and other messaging sites or forums. This creates alternate effects like reaching a larger audience, being able to stay anonymous when bullying and posting material that may stay online forever.
- Sexual bullying — Sexual bullying is online or in-person bullying that involves sexual comments or actions, including sexual jokes and name-calling, crude gestures, spreading sexual rumors, sending sexual photos or videos, and touching or grabbing someone without permission. When sexts are sent without consent, such as when private nude photos or videos of an individual are widely shared among a peer group, it can lead to sexual bullying and even sexual assault.
Why do people bully others?
There are many reasons as to why people bully others:
Power
People who want to be in control tend to bully others more to assert dominance over others. Power and bullying work hand in hand - if a bully does not get their way, they will resort to bullying in order to have more control, therefore more power.
Revenge
Victims of bullying can choose to be a bully themselves in order to retaliate. However, this does not necessarily mean they will target their own bully. Instead, they target individuals that are weaker than them in order to feel a sense of vindication.
It is also important to note that revenge does not justify bullying.
Peer Pressure
This is a common reason for bullying, because it allows the bully to feel that they are fitting in with others. Also, if they choose not to bully, they may become a victim of the bullying itself.
Popularity
Bullying can also be a means to enter a popular group or gain social status that allows individuals to be respected more highly. The generic idea of popularity itself holds key aspects of bullying - ostracization of others, gossiping and spreading rumours, etc.
Home life issues
Teens who grow up with permissive parents that do not provide enough care or monitor their behaviour may feel that they are allowed to bully others. Absent parents often lead to children who want to have a sense of control which they can attain through bullying.
What effect can bullying have?
For victims of bullying:
- Often experience depression and anxiety, this being accumulated by feelings of sadness and loneliness stemming from the bullying they received.
- Decreased academic achievement – school attendance or school refusal is often observed if bullying occurs at school, which can jeopardise one’s learning experience
- Social and emotional distress – bullying does take an emotional toll on individuals, making it hard to regulate and manage emotions in future relationships. It also impacts how people interact with others socially, as victims of bullying may always feel a sense of distrust when meeting new people.
- In the case of cyberbullying, it has long-lasting and far-reaching effects, as harmful messages, images, and posts can remain online indefinitely. Victims often experience public humiliation, online shaming, and exclusion from digital spaces, which can result in severe psychological distress. Furthermore, cyberbullying leaves a permanent digital footprint, potentially impacting victims' employment prospects, financial stability, and social inclusion. In severe cases, victims may suffer financial loss due to identity theft, fraud, or reputational damage that affects their career and personal life. Additionally, exclusion from online platforms can lead to social isolation, reducing access to education, job opportunities, and essential social networks.
For bullies:
- Alcohol or drug misuse – there is a high correlation between substance abuse and being a bully. Often bullies are surrounded by negative peer influences that lead to poor life choices such as exposure to alcohol and drugs.
- Criminal records – bullies that engage in violence, like fights or vandalising property, are more prone to being arrested and having a criminal record. This ultimately impacts certain aspects of their future, such as career pathways, ownership of property, etc.
- Being involved in unhealthy relationships - Bullies often lack positive traits that foster healthy relationships, and this behavior may persist into adulthood. When carried into romantic partnerships, their bullying tendencies can escalate, potentially resulting in harmful and abusive dynamics.
Where does bullying happen?
Bullying can happen in many different places, including:
- Schools of all types – primary, secondary and tertiary (university/college) education
- Workplaces – often occupations that require employees working in unison or are dependent on a good corporate culture, such as office settings
- Sports and community groups
- Social media, online gaming platforms, instant messaging groups or platforms
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