Dealing with bullying

As highlighted in our previous discussion, bullying is prominent in our schools. There are adverse consequences to bullying with one study highlighting of an increased risk for mental health problems. Bullying may facilitate development of mental disorders among others anxiety disorders, depression, parasuicide, conversion disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.

How do we deal with this silent epidemic?

Dealing with bullying in schools may be one of the most difficult tasks primarily because victims themselves often are not ready to openly discuss it. It is essential that an environment that works against bullying is created. In building an environment that is not acceptable to bullying, it is pivotal to instil a culture of inclusion and respect within the school set up.

A desired code of conduct should be availed to all the students. There are some students who have problem behaviours that may consequently facilitate bullying acts. Such students may need to undergo behaviour modification and/or therapy in order to address their problems. Additionally, they may be part of life skills programs within the school set to optime their social functioning and enhance their social skills.

Life skill programs can as well be extended to the rest of the students and so are anti-bullying programmes. Anti-bullying programmes have been seen to significantly ward off bullying in the school set up.

A child who is bullied need to be assisted to overcome the experience. A non-judgemental attitude should be conveyed by parents and teachers whom are assisting the student. This stems from the fact that children may not be open about the whole ordeal hence a supportive environment helps.

Active listening to the victims does help as well. There are unfortunate views that bullying victims have brought that upon themselves thus teachers, parents and guardians should avoid at all costs to blame the child for being bullied. Provision of therapy to victims of bullying is helpful and highly encouraged.

Let us nip bullying in the bud. Adverse childhood experiences have a huge influence on development of mental illnesses later on in life, thus addressing bullying is fundamentally a mental health promotion initiative!