Bullying: Victim or Culprit?

Bullying is a form of abuse that a countless number of people encounter. Normally, we think of children when the term bullying is referred to, but even a growing number of adults are falling victim to this. It is a way to exert a persons', or groups' influence, or power, over another individual causing an imbalance of power. The victim is referred to as the target, and bullying may be done in a variety of ways. Verbal attacks can include name calling, insulting, making racial comments, sexist jokes, or using sexually abusive language or offensive remarks. Physical abuse includes physically harming someone or forcing them to do an act which may cause harm or embarrassment. Even threatening to do any of these acts is also considered bullying. Emotional bullying arises when lies or rumors are spread about an individual and causes embarrassment or anguish to the target, or when they are socially isolated from groups. And most recently, a new trend of bullying has emerged with the advances of technology called cyber bullying, cyber stalking, or cyber harassment that tends to affect adolescents and adults. This type of bullying typically occurs through the internet or text messages on cell phones. The ever growing number or social networks allows for bullying to occur in a greater context, where lies and rumors can spread like wildfire, and cause tremendous damage to the victim.

It is estimated that nearly every single person has experienced some type of bullying, or done some type of bullying in their lifetime, especially during adolescence. A study conduct in the U.S. estimates that 1 in 5 workers have experienced bullying in the workplace. Approximately 80% of bullies are supervisors, some are co-workers, and men and women are equally likely to be the bully. Cyber bullying is becoming a more attractive avenue to bully someone without being caught. The use of internet or digital media allows the perpetrator to remain anonymous. This allows a way for targets to gain revenge on their bullies as well. The target simply gets tired of being bullied, and takes on the role of the bully justifying his or her actions, because they too were once bullied. In some cases the retaliation on being bullied can be so extreme that it causes irreversible damage on the target and leads him or her to perform unimaginable crimes. One such example is the massacre at Columbine High School.

Bullying is usually ignored and faculty at schools or campuses need to learn to recognize when it is occurring, and be trained to identify situations that may necessitate a referral to the school counselor or anyone who is willing to listen and help. Suicide is very closely linked to a past history of bullying, or being bullied. Many times the target does not report the bullying, feelings are kept bottled up, until the target can no longer bear it, and suicide is seen as a way to end the pain. Remember, bullying can occur at any age, even unconsciously among friends, relatives, or co-workers. It may lead to drastic conclusions which may be avoided if stopped, or discussed in time. Sometimes our words and actions may seem harmless to us, but everyone is different, and they may be interpreted in a hurtful way. So the next time you make comments about others, think closely if you aren't a being a bully.

References

Medline Plus.  (2011).  Bullying.  Retrieved on March 1, 2011 from

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bullying.html                                                                   

National Crime Prevention Council.  (2011).  Cyberbullying.  Retrieved on March 1, 2011 from

www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying