Eradicating bullying in society and schools

BULLYING can affect everyone - those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying.

Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes, including impacts on mental health, substance use and suicide.

It is important to talk to children to determine whether bullying - or something else - is a concern.

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour that can be physical or verbal.

You are made to feel hurt, angry, afraid, helpless, hopeless, isolated, ashamed and even guilty that the bullying is somehow your fault. You may even feel suicidal.

Your physical health is likely to suffer and you are at a greater risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.

Types of bullying Physical bullying

the following:

• Hitting, kicking or pushing someone, or even threatening to do it

• Stealing, hiding or ruining someone's things

• Hazing, harassing or humiliating someone

• Making someone do things he or she does not want to do.

Verbal bullying

includes

includes the

following:

• Name-calling

• Teasing, taunting

• Refusing to talk to someone

• Excluding someone from groups or activities

• Spreading lies or rumours about someone

• Insulting or otherwise verbally abusing someone

Tips for dealing with a bully and overcoming bullying

There is no solution to bullying or best way to handle a bully. It may take a variety of responses to find the strategy that works best for your situation.

To defeat a bully, you need to retain your self-control and preserve your sense of self.

Walk away from the bully. Bullies want to know that they have control over your emotions, so do not react with anger or retaliate with physical force.

If you walk away, ignore them or calmly and assertively tell them you are not interested in what they have to say. In this way, you are demonstrating that they do not have control over you.

Report the bullying to a trusted adult. If you do not report threats and assaults, a bully will often become more and more aggressive.

In many cases, adults can find ways to help with the problem without letting the bully know it was you who reported them.

Repeat as necessary. In the same way as the bully, you may have to be relentless. Report each and every bullying incident until it stops.

Find support from those who do not bully. Having trusted people you can turn to for encouragement and support will boost your resilience when being bullied. Reach out to connect with family and real friends.

The following warning signs may indicate that your child is being bullied:

• Your child appears worried, angry or moody

• Your child may experience

nightmares more frequently

• Physical complaints increase and your child avoids explaining physical injuries

• Withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy

Take steps to stop bullying

Talk to children about bullying. Merely talking about the problem can be a huge stress reliever for someone who is being bullied. Be supportive and listen to a child’s feelings without judgement, criticism or blame.

Find help for a child who is afraid of a bully. Make sure that other teachers, friends and counsellors know the child is being bullied. No child should have to deal with bullying alone.

Report the incidents to the relevant authorities.